Thaden, Jeremy J.

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the 30 day incidence of paravalvular leak (PVL) and need for aortic valve reintervention of a fourth generation balloon expandable transcatheter valve with enhanced skirt (4G‐BEV) (SAPIEN 3 Ultra) compared with a third generation balloon expandable transcatheter valve (3G‐BEV) (SAPIEN 3).BackgroundThe incidence of PVL has steadily declined with iterative improvements in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technology and implantation strategies.MethodsPatients who underwent TAVR at Mayo Clinic from 7/2018 to 7/2019 were included in a prospective institutional registry. 4G‐BEV has been utilized since 2/2019, and, after this date, 3G‐BEV and 4G‐BEV were simultaneously used. 4G‐BEV had three sizes (20, 23, and 26 mm) while 3G‐BEV included four sizes (20, 23, 26, and 29 mm). Both cohorts were evaluated at 30 days post‐TAVR with a transthoracic echocardiogram to assess for PVL.ResultsA total of 260 consecutive patients were included. Of these, 101 patients received a 4G‐BEV and 159 patients received a 3G‐BEV. There were more females (p = .0005) and a lower aortic valve calcium score (p = .02) in the 4G‐BEV cohort at baseline. Age, STS risk score, NYHA Class, and aortic valve mean gradient did not differ between groups. 4G‐BEV was associated with a lower incidence of mild PVL (10.8 vs. 36.5%; p < .0001) and moderate PVL (0 vs. 5.8%) compared to the 3G‐BEV at 30 days. There was no association between PVL and valve size in either cohort.ConclusionsUtilization of 4G‐BEV is associated with reduced PVL at 30 days post‐TAVR compared with 3G‐BEV.

Objective To determine whether echocardiography-derived left ventricular filling pressure influences survival in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods We retrospectively reviewed 1383 consecutive patients with severe AS, normal ejection fraction and interpretable filling pressure undergoing AVR. Left ventricular filling pressure was determined according to current guidelines using mitral inflow, mitral annular tissue Doppler, estimated right ventricular systolic pressure and left atrial volume index. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the influence of various parameters on mortality. Results Age was 75±10 years and 552 (40%) were female. Left ventricular filling pressure was normal in 325 (23%), indeterminate in 463 (33%) and increased in 595 (43%). Mean follow-up was 7.3±3.7 years, and mortality was 1.2%, 4.2% and 18.9% at 30 days and 1 and 5 years, respectively. Compared with patients with normal filling pressure, patients with increased filling pressure were older (78±9 vs 70±12, p<0.001), more often female (45% vs 35%, p=0.002) and were more likely to have New York Heart Association class III–IV symptoms (35% vs 24%, p=0.004), coronary artery disease (55% vs 42%, p<0.001) and concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (63% vs 37%, p<0.001). After correction for other factors, increased left ventricular filling pressure remained an independent predictor of mortality after successful AVR (adjusted HR 1.45 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.81), p=0.005). Conclusions Preoperative increased left ventricular filling pressure is common in patients with AS undergoing AVR and has important prognostic implications, regardless of symptom status. Future prospective studies should consider whether patients with increased filling pressure would benefit from earlier operation.

Abstract Background Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVR; MitraClip, Abbott Vascular) is clinically approved for treatment of severe, symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR) in high or prohibitive surgical risk patients. Iatrogenic mitral stenosis is a known complication of TMVR, but determinants of increased post-procedure mean diastolic gradient are not well defined. Purpose We aimed to investigate the determinants of increased mitral mean diastolic gradient after TMVR. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 59 patients. 2D and 3D TEE data sets acquired before and immediately after procedure were analyzed. 4D Cardio-View and 4D MV-Assessment (TomTec, Germany) were used for the analysis of the 3D volume data set. Quantitative mitral valve analysis was done at the end of systole. Increased mitral mean diastolic gradient after TMVR was correlated with pre-procedure 2D and 3D echocardiographic data. Results 34 patients had primary MR, 25 patients had mixed/secondary MR. Baseline mean mitral diastolic gradient was 2.0 ± 0.9mmHg and increased to 3.9 ± 1.8mmHg post-TMVR and the mean 3D planimetric mitral valve area decreased from 5.3 ± 1.5cm2 to 2.6 ± 1.0cm2. Implantation of multiple clips was performed less frequently in patients with smaller baseline mitral valve area; 8% vs 47% in the lowest quartile vs all others (p = 0.006). 12(20%) of patients had a mean diastolic gradient &gt;5mmHg post-TMVR and 15(25%) of patients had a post-TMVR mitral valve area &lt;2.0 cm2. There was no significant difference in post-procedure heart rate between patients with mean diastolic gradient ≤5mmHg vs &gt;5mmHg (p = 0.08). Patient characteristics according to post-TMVR mean diastolic gradient are shown in the Table. Post-TMVR mean diastolic gradient &gt;5mmHg was more common in patients with increased pre-procedure mean diastolic gradient(p = 0.006), post-TMVR mitral valve area &lt;2.0 cm2(40% vs 14%, p = 0.03), and ≥moderate residual mitral regurgitation(38% vs 11%, p = 0.02). Post-TMVR mitral valve area &lt;2.0cm2 was present in 50% vs 19% of patients with vs without a mean gradient &gt;5mmHg(p = 0.04). Conclusions Elevated post-TMVR mean diastolic gradient is multifactorial and related to mitral stenosis, but residual mitral regurgitation also appears to be an important contributor to increased gradients in some patients. Larger cohorts are likely needed to assess the concurrent impact of mitral annular calcification, leaflet calcification, and other variables on post-TMVR mean gradient. Abstract P1798 Figure. 2D and 3D Echocardiographic Parameters

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Mayo Clinic Background Variability in Doppler signals is common in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and AF is common in low-gradient AS (LGAS). Presence of high single beat Doppler signals (peak velocity ≥4m/s or mean gradient ≥40mmHg) is not factored into decision-making in low-gradient aortic stenosis (LGAS). Objective Determine prevalence of at least one high Doppler signal in AF LGAS and its relationship to computed tomography aortic valve calcium score (AVCS) versus sinus rhythm (SR) high-gradient aortic stenosis (HGAS). Methods Consecutive patients with aortic valve area ≤1cm2 and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% during echo were identified (January 1, 2012-December 31, 2016). At least three consecutive Doppler signals were averaged in sinus rhythm (SR) and five in atrial fibrillation (AF). Results Of 1,854 patients, age 76± 11 years, male 52%, 301/1,854 (16%) were in AF and LGAS was present in 122/301 (41%). At least one high Doppler signal in AF LGAS was present in 43/122 (35%). AVCS within 1 year of echo was available for 36% of patient with SR HGAS and 34% of AS LGAS. Median AVCS was not different in SR HGAS 2424 (IQR 1623, 3445) vs AF LGAS with at least one high Doppler signal 2509 [IQR1547, 3119], p =0.10 AVCS threshold for severe AS (men &gt;2000 women &gt;1200) was met in 80% SR HGAS vs 86% AF LGAS with high signals. Conclusions High Doppler signals in AF LGAS are associated with high AVCS more frequently exceeding thresholds for severe AS. Single-beat high Doppler signals instead of the average correlate better with AVCS and classic HGAS.

Abstract Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) causes left ventricular (LV) pressure overload, leading to adverse LV remodeling and dysfunction. Identifying early subclinical markers of LV dysfunction in patients with significant AS is critical as this could provide support for earlier intervention, which may result in improved long-term outcomes. We therefore examined the impact of severe AS and its consequent increase in LV afterload on myocardial deformation and rotational mechanics by 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography. Methods: We prospectively measured various strain parameters in 168 patients (42% female, mean age 72±12 years) with severe AS and LV ejection fraction (EF) ≥50%, and compared them to normal values found in literature. 2D and 3D images were analyzed for global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS), basal rotation, apical rotation, and peak systolic twist. We further assessed the degree of concordance between 2D and 3D strain, and examined their association with measures of LV preload and afterload. Results: Patients with severe AS exhibited significantly lower GLS and GRS but higher GCS, apical rotation, and twist by 2D and 3D echocardiography compared with published normal values (P=0.003 for 3D twist,P<0.001 for all others). Agreement between 2D- and 3D-GLS by concordance correlation coefficient was 0.49 (95% confidence interval: 0.39-0.57). GLS was correlated with valvulo-arterial impedance, a measure of LV afterload (r=0.34, p<0.001 and r=0.23, p=0.003, respectively). Conclusion: Patients with severe AS demonstrated lower-than-normal GLS and GRS but appear to compensate with higher-than-normal GCS, apical rotation, and twist in order to maintain a preserved LVEF. GLS showed a modest correlation with valvulo-arterial impedance.

Abstract Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) causes left ventricular (LV) pressure overload, leading to adverse LV remodeling and dysfunction. We examined the impact of severe AS and its consequent increase in LV afterload on myocardial deformation and rotational mechanics by 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography. Methods: We prospectively measured various strain parameters in 168 patients (42% female, mean age 72±12 years) with severe AS and LV ejection fraction (EF) ≥50%, and compared them to normal values found in literature. 2D and 3D images were analyzed for global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS), basal rotation, apical rotation, and peak systolic twist. We further assessed the degree of concordance between 2D and 3D strain, and examined their association with measures of LV preload and afterload. Results: Patients with severe AS exhibited significantly lower GLS and GRS but higher GCS, apical rotation, and twist by 2D and 3D echocardiography compared with published normal values (P=0.003 for 3D twist,P<0.001 for all others). There was modest agreement between 2D and 3D GLS measurements (concordance correlation coefficient 0.49, 95% confidence interval 0.39-0.57). GLS was modestly correlated with valvulo-arterial impedance, a measure of LV afterload (r=0.34, p<0.001 for 2D and r=0.23, p=0.003 for 3D). Conclusion: Patients with severe AS demonstrate lower-than-normal GLS and GRS as a result of increased afterload but appear to compensate with higher-than-normal GCS, apical rotation, and twist in order to maintain a preserved LVEF. Our study provides, to our knowledge, the most comprehensive analysis to date of myocardial deformation and rotational mechanics by 2D and 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography in patients with severe AS and preserved LVEF.

Abstract Aims Despite improvements in cardiac haemodynamics and symptoms, long-term mortality remains increased in some patients after aortic valve replacement (AVR). Limited data exist on the prognostic role of left ventricular (LV) chamber stiffening in these patients. Methods and results We performed a retrospective analysis in 1893 patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) referred for AVR. LV end-diastolic pressure–volume relations (EDPVR, P = αV^β) were reconstructed from echocardiographic measurements of end-diastolic volumes and estimates of end-diastolic pressure (EDP). The impact of EDPVR-derived LV chamber stiffness (CS30, at 30 mmHg EDP) on all-cause mortality after AVR was evaluated. Mean age was 76 ± 10 years, 39% were females, and ejection fraction (EF) was 61 ± 12%. The mean LV chamber stiffness (CS30) was 2.2 ± 1.3 mmHg/mL. A total of 877 (46%) patients had high LV stiffness (CS30 &gt;2 mmHg/mL). In these patients, the EDPVR curves were steeper and shifted leftwards, indicating higher stiffness at all pressure levels. These patients were slightly older, more often female, and had more prevalent comorbidities compared to patients with low stiffness. At follow-up [median 4.2 (interquartile range 2.8–6.3) years; 675 deaths], a higher CS30 was associated with lower survival (hazard ratio: 2.7 for severe vs. mild LV stiffening; P &lt; 0.0001), both in patients with normal or reduced EF. At multivariate analysis, CS30 remained an independent predictor, even after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, EF, LV remodelling, and diastolic dysfunction. Conclusion Higher preoperative LV chamber stiffening in patients with severe AS is associated with poorer outcome despite successful AVR.

Abstract Background Functional mitral regurgitation (MR) is expected to improve after aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with severe aortic stenosis (sAS) and MR. However, little is unknown about the impact of AVR on organic MR and whether concomitant mitral valve surgery (MVS) improves outcomes in patients with sAS and MR. Purpose We assessed the impact of AVR on MR severity according to MR mechanism. We also assessed the clinical outcomes in patients with sAS and MR that underwent AVR with vs without MVS. Methods We retrospectively investigated patients who received surgical AVR or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) from 2008 to 2017. We identified patients with effective mitral regurgitant orifice area (ERO) ≥10 mm2 by the proximal isovelocity surface area method with transthoracic echocardiography. The change in MR after AVR was considered significant when there was at least one grade difference. We compared the all-cause mortality of patients with sAS and MR that underwent AVR with vs without MVS according to MR mechanism and patient age. Results We included 326 patients with sAS and MR (age 80 [Interquartile range 72–85] years, 53% male, 21% history of myocardial infarction). Organic and functional MR were present in 69% and 31%, respectively. Of these, 240 underwent AVR alone (AVR group) including TAVI in 112 while 86 underwent AVR and MVS (MVS group) including mitral valve replacement in 38 and mitral valve repair in 48. The median ERO at baseline was 17 (14–21) mm2 in AVR and 24 (19–33) mm2 in MVS (p<0.001). Improvement in MR was observed in 58% of AVR and 91% of MVS (p<0.001). In AVR group, organic MR improved as frequently as functional MR (58% vs. 59%, p=0.96). Predictors for improvement in organic MR were absence of atrial fibrillation and moderate or greater MR, and in functional MR, the only predictor was decrease in LV end-systolic diameter after AVR. During mean follow-up of 2.4±2.3 years, moderate or greater MR was observed in 23% of AVR and 7% of MVS (p=0.002). All-cause mortality was similar in AVR and MVS groups for organic and functional MR (hazard ratio for MVS group 0.68, 95% CI: 0.40–1.10, p=0.13 in organic MR and 0.62, 95% CI 0.29–1.22, p=0.68 in functional MR). All-cause mortality was lower in MVS group compared with AVR group in patients <80 years, and was similar in patients ≥80 years (Figure). Conclusion In patients with sAS and MR, MR improves after AVR, even in the majority of patients with organic MR. Compared with isolated AVR, concomitant MVS was associated with better prognosis in patients <80 years.

Abstract Background Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), end diastolic, end systolic volumes (EDV, ESV) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) are very important parameters that are frequently reported in cardiology. Normal cardiac geometry was not considered in articles that published normal values. It is important to know normal parameters for population studies. Our hypothesis is to analyze how EF, volumes and GLS may vary by age groups, gender and BMI in a population with normal cardiac geometry. Purpose To define the values in EF, volumes and GLS measurements in a healthy population with normal cardiac geometry stratified by age groups, gender and body mass index (BMI). Methods This is a single center retrospective study conducted from 2008 to 2018. We selected 4557 subjects (2605 females, 1952 males) >18 years with ≤ mild valvular heart disease, who underwent 2D-echocardiography (2DE) at Mayo clinic, Rochester. All selected subjects had normal LV geometry (i.e., LV mass index≤88g/m2 in females and ≤102g/m2 in males and relative wall thickness ≤0.42 measured by 2DE) and without any cardiovascular risk factors or structural or functional abnormality determined by 2DE. Based on age groups, gender and BMI, we assessed the variability in volumes indexed to body surface area, EF and GLS by Mean ± SD and two sample t-test. Results Mean age was 54±15 years (females = 53±15, males = 56±16), body surface area was 1.9 m2±0.2 (females = 1.8±0.2, males = 2.1±0.2), LV GLS −20.7% ±2 SD (females = −21.2±2, males= −20.2±1.9) ranging −16.1 to −27.6 in both genders (Figure); LVEF by Biplane volume method 62.6% ± 4 SD (females = 63±4.3, males=62±4.5). The end diastolic volume 63.6±11.7 cc/m2 (female = 59.9±10.3, males = 68.1±11.8) and end systolic volume 23.9 cc/m2±5.4 (female = 22.3±4.8, males = 25.9±5.5). LV GLS, Biplane EF values were higher in females and EDV and ESV values were higher in males. LV GLS values decreased with age in females (P<0.0001). While EF increased with age in both genders (P<0.0001), EDV and ESV values decreased with age (P<0.0001). When each gender is sub-divided based on their BMI (<25 and ≥25), GLS, EDV and ESV values were higher in population with BMI <25 (P<0.0001). Normal geometry variables Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the biggest single center study to evaluate LV GLS values, LV EF, ED, ES volumes. These results can be used as reference values in a normal population. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Abstract Background The left ventricle (LV) undergoes different types of remodeling to normalize its wall stress. There has been an increase in the trend in research regarding the process of remodeling but little is known about how LV volumes and global longitudinal strain (GLS) may vary depending upon the type of remodeling. Purpose To define the values of LV volumes and GLS in patients with different types of LV remodeling with normal ejection fraction (EF). Methods Single center retrospective study conducted from 2008 to 2018. We selected 10,356 subjects >18 years (5808 females, 4548 males) with normal EF and who underwent 2D echocardiography (2DE) at Mayo clinic, Rochester. They were categorized into 4 groups (Figure) i.e., group 1 = normal geometry, group 2 = concentric remodeling, group 3 = concentric hypertrophy, group 4 = eccentric hypertrophy based on their LV mass index (102 g/m2 in males, 88 g/m2 in females) and relative wall thickness (0.42) values measured by 2DE (figure). The patterns of LV GLS, end diastolic and end systolic volumes (EDV, ESV) indexed to body surface area were analyzed in these four groups by gender and body mass index (BMI). Mean±SD, One-way Anova, two sample t-test and Tukey- Kramer HSD were applied. Results The mean age of the selected population is 57.9 years ±14.9 (females=57.7±14.7, males=58.2±15.1) and the body surface area of 1.9 m2±0.2 (females=1.8±2 and males=2.1±0.2). The LV GLS values (Figure) of groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were −20.7, −18.9, −17.5 and −19.9 and their EDV cc/m2 values were 63.6, 58.5, 61.2 and 68.2 respectively. LV GLS and Biplane EF values were higher in females while Biplane EDV and ESV were higher in males. When each gender is sub-divided based on their BMI (<25 and ≥25), the LV GLS, EDV and ESV values were higher in all groups with BMI<25 except in males with concentric remodeling and females with concentric hypertrophy where they were low. Remodeling distribution Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the biggest single center study to evaluate LV GLS and volumes based on type of remodeling by gender and BMI. When compared with normal geometry, LV volumes and GLS values were statistically different among each type of remodeling as well as for gender and BMI. These results can be used as reference values in patient population studies where remodeling is being analyzed in subjects with normal LV EF. Acknowledgement/Funding None