Crestanello, Juan A.

Abstract Background Bloodstream infections (BSIs) confer an increased risk of infective endocarditis (IE) in patients with a prosthetic cardiac valve. This relationship is less well established in patients undergoing valve repair. We conducted a retrospective population-based study to determine the incidence of BSIs following valve repair and identify risk factors associated with the development of IE. Methods The Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) data linkage system was used to identify all persons who underwent valve repair in a 7-county region in Southeastern Minnesota between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018. Medical records were screened for the development of a BSI from time of procedure until May 15, 2020. Patients were classified as having BSI only, BSI with IE at outset, or BSI with subsequent development of new IE. IE at outset was defined as cases where IE was diagnosed at the time of initial positive blood culture. Results A total of 387 patients underwent valve repair surgery. A total of 31 (8%) patients subsequently developed a BSI, 4% within one year of surgery. Seventeen patients underwent mitral repair with annuloplasty, 9 underwent tricuspid annuloplasty, and 5 had concurrent repairs. Median time to the development of BSI was 338 days. Of the 31 patients with BSI, 4 (13%) had BSI with IE at outset. No patients developed IE subsequent to BSI, Enterococcus spp. was responsible for 3 cases of IE, and MSSA for 1. All cases occurred within one year of surgery. Given the low incidence, statistical analysis of associated risk factors for IE was not feasible. All patients with BSI and IE at outset, however, died by the end of the study period, versus 11/27 in the BSI only group. Conclusion Incidence of BSIs was higher in patients undergoing cardiac valve repair than in the general population. The incidence of IE with a BSI was 13%, which is lower than what has been previously published. It is notable that all cases of IE occurred within one year of surgery. Recognizing that endothelialization of device surfaces occurs, it is tempting to speculate that the risk of IE may be time dependent and may decline over time. Subsequent investigation of this theory is underway. Disclosures Larry M. Baddour, MD, Boston Scientific (Consultant)

Abstract Background There is a paucity of data about the prevalence and natural history of mitral annular calcification (MAC). Purposes In a large cohort of patients undergoing clinically-indicated echocardiography, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and the natural history of MAC, and the frequency of associated mitral valve dysfunction (MVD). Methods Retrospective review of all patients who underwent echocardiographic evaluation at our institution between January 1st and December 31st 2015. The patients were stratified into 3 groups: MAC with MVD, MAC without MVD, no MAC. MVD was defined as moderate or greater mitral regurgitation (MR) or stenosis (MS). The 3 groups were compared for baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics and all-cause mortality during follow-up. Results Of 24,415 evaluated patients, 5478 (22%) had MAC. Patients with MAC were older (75±10 vs. 60±16 years, p<0.01) and more often female (46% vs. 43%, p<0.01). MVD was more frequently observed in patients with MAC (16% vs. 7%, p<0.01); moderate or greater MR was found in 10% of patients with MAC vs. 6% without MAC (p<0.01) and MS in 7% vs. 0.5% (p<0.01). In patients with MAC, those with MVD were more often female and more frequently had creatinine ≥2mg/dl and moderate or greater aortic stenosis (AS) than those without MVD (Fig. A). Kaplan-Meier survivals at 1 year were 75% in patients with MAC and MVD, 87% in those with MAC without MVD, and 92% in those without MAC (Fig B). Adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, creatinine ≥2 mg/dl, coronary artery disease, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, and AS, MAC was associated with higher all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio1.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–1.5, p<0.01); combined MAC and MVD was associated with the highest mortality during follow-up of 2.5±1.8 years. Conclusion In a large cohort of patients undergoing echocardiographic evaluation, the prevalence of MAC was 22%. MV dysfunction was more than twice as prevalent in patients with MAC as without. Patients with MAC had higher all-cause mortality than patients without MAC. Among patients with MAC and mitral valvular dysfunction, adjusted mortality was two-fold higher compared to those without MAC. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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.

AbstractOBJECTIVESFunctional tricuspid regurgitation (fTR) has been amenable to tricuspid valve repair (TVr), with fewer patients needing tricuspid valve replacement (TVR). We sought to review our experience of tricuspid valve surgery for fTR.METHODSA retrospective analysis of adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent primary tricuspid valve surgery for fTR (n = 926; mean age 68.6 ± 12.5 years; 67% females) from January 1993 through June 2018 was conducted. There were 767 (83%) patients who underwent TVr (ring annuloplasty, 67%; purse-string annuloplasty, 33%) and 159 (17%) underwent TVR (bioprosthetic valves, 87%; mechanical valves, 13%). The median follow-up was 8.2 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 7.2–8.9 years].RESULTSA greater proportion of patients who underwent TVR had severe right ventricular dysfunction (P &lt; 0.001), severe tricuspid regurgitation (P &lt; 0.001) and congestive heart failure (P = 0.001) while the TVr cohort had a greater proportion with severe mitral valve (MV) regurgitation (P &lt; 0.001) and concomitant cardiac procedures. Early mortality (TVR, 9% vs TVr, 3%; P = 0.004), renal failure (TVR, 10% vs TVr, 5%; P = 0.014) and hospital stay (TVR, 15 ± 15 days vs TVr, 12 ± 11 days; P &lt; 0.001) were greater in TVR patients. The TVR cohort had worse survival [hazard ratio (HR) 1.57; 95% CI 1.23–1.99]. Multivariable analysis identified congestive heart failure (HR 1.37; 95% CI 1.10–1.72), renal failure (HR 1.79; 95% CI 1.14–2.82), previous MV surgery (HR 1.35; 95% CI 1.05–1.72) and TVR (HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.03–1.79) as independent risk factors for late mortality.CONCLUSIONSTricuspid repair for fTR appears to have better early and late outcomes. Since previous MV surgery and TVR are identified as independent risk factors for late mortality, concomitant TVr at the time of index MV surgery may be considered. Early referral before the onset of advanced heart failure may improve outcomes.

Background – The impact of post-operative complications on long-term survival is not well characterized. We sought to study the prevalence of post-operative complications after cardiac surgery and their impact on long-term survival. Methods – Operative survivors (n=26,221) who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (n=13054, 49.8%), valve surgery (n=8667, 33.1%) or combined CABG and valve surgery (n=4500, 17.2%) from 1993 to 2019 were included in the study. Records were reviewed for post-operative complications and long-term survival. The associations between post-operative complications and survival were assessed using a Cox-proportional model. Results – Complications occurred in 17,463 (66.6%) of 26,221 operative survivors. A total of 17 post-operative complications were analyzed. Post-operative blood product use was the commonest (n=12397, 47.3%), followed by atrial fibrillation (n=8399, 32.0%), prolonged ventilation (n=2336, 8.9%), renal failure (n=870, 3.3%), re-operation for bleeding (n=859, 3.3%) and pacemaker/ICD insertion (n=795, 3.0%). Stroke (HR 1.55, 95%CI 1.36-1.77), renal failure (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.33-1.58) anticoagulant-related events (HR 1.26, 95%CI 1.02-1.56) and pneumonia (HR 1.23, 95%CI 1.11-1.36) had the strongest impact on long-term survival. Long-term survival decreased as the number of post-operative complications increased. Conclusions – Post-operative complications after cardiac surgery significantly impact outcomes that extend beyond the post-operative period. The presence, number and type of post-operative complications adversely impact long-term survival. Stroke, renal failure, anticoagulant-related events and pneumonia are particularly associated with poor long-term survival.

Abstract Aims To assess functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) determinants, consequences, and independent impact on outcome in degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR). Methods and results All patients diagnosed with isolated DMR 2003–2011, with structurally normal tricuspid leaflets, prospective FTR grading and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) estimation by Doppler echocardiography at diagnosis were identified and long-term outcome analysed. The 5083 DMR eligible patients [63 ± 16 years, 47% female, ejection fraction (EF) 63 ± 7%, and sPAP 35 ± 13 mmHg] presented with FTR graded trivial in 45%, mild in 37%, moderate in 15%, and severe in 3%. While pulmonary hypertension (PHTN-sPAP ≥ 50 mmHg) was the most powerful FTR severity determinant, other strong FTR determinants were older age, female sex, lower left ventricle EF, DMR, and particularly atrial fibrillation (AFib) (all P ≤ 0.002). Functional tricuspid regurgitation moderate/severe was independently linked to more severe clinical presentation, more oedema, lower stroke volume, and impaired renal function (P ≤ 0.01). Survival (95% confidence interval) throughout follow-up [70% (69–72%) at 10 years] was strongly associated with FTR severity [82% (80–84%) for trivial, 69% (66–71%) for mild, 51% (47–57%) for moderate, and 26% (19–35%) for severe, P &lt; 0.0001]. Excess mortality persisted after comprehensive adjustment [adjusted hazard ratio 1.40 (1.18–1.67) for moderate FTR and 2.10 (1.63–2.70) for severe FTR, P ≤ 0.01]. Excess mortality persisted adjusting for sPAP/right ventricular function (P &lt; 0.0001), by matching [adjusted hazard ratios 2.08 (1.50–2.89), P &lt; 0.0001] and vs. expected survival [risk ratio 1.79 (1.48–2.16), P &lt; 0.0001]. Within 5-year of diagnosis valve surgery was performed in 73% (70–75%) and 15% (13–17%) of severe and moderate DMR and in only 26% (19–34%) and 6% (4–8%) of severe and moderate FTR. Valvular surgery improved outcome without alleviating completely higher mortality associated with FTR (P &lt; 0.0001). Conclusion In this large DMR cohort, FTR was frequent and causally, not only linked to PHTN but also to other factors, particularly AFib. Higher FTR severity is associated at diagnosis with more severe clinical presentation. Long term, FTR is independently of all confounders, associated with considerably worse mortality. Functional tricuspid regurgitation moderate and even severe is profoundly undertreated. Thus careful assessment, consideration for tricuspid surgery, and testing of new transcatheter therapy is warranted.

AbstractBackgroundAn internal risk stratification algorithm was developed to decrease the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) during lead extractions (LEs).ObjectiveTo report upon the impact of a risk stratification algorithm (RISE [RIsk Stratification prior to lead Extraction] protocol) on outcomes of LEs in a high‐volume center.MethodsA retrospective review of a prospectively maintained LEs database was performed to identify features associated with MACEs. On the basis of the retrospective data, the RISE protocol differentiated LEs procedures into “High” and “Low” risk for occurrence of MACEs. High‐risk LEs included dual‐coil defibrillator lead (≥3 years), pacemaker and single‐coil lead (≥5 years), and any StarFix coronary sinus lead. During the prospective evaluation of the RISE protocol, “High‐risk” LEs were performed in an operating room (OR) or hybrid laboratory with the cardiac anesthesiologist, OR nursing team, perfusionist in the room, and a cardiac surgeon on the premises. “Low‐risk” LEs were performed in the electrophysiology (EP) laboratory with anesthesia provided by EP nursing team. The preintervention (pre‐RISE) and postintervention (post‐RISE) group spanned 19 and 40 months and consisted of 449 (632 leads) and 751 patients (1055 leads), respectively. The primary outcome of MACEs in the two groups was compared.ResultsProtocol compliance was 100%. The primary outcome of MACEs occurred in 15 patients (3.34%) before and 12 (1.6%) after implementation of the RISE protocol (P = .04).ConclusionRISE identified a low‐risk group where minimal resources are needed and allowed for rapid intervention in the high‐risk group that reduced the consequences of MACEs.

Abstract Aims To define the hitherto unknown aetiology/mechanism distributions of mitral regurgitation (MR) in the community and the linked clinical characteristics/outcomes. Methods and results We identified all isolated, moderate/severe MR diagnosed in our community (Olmsted County, MN, USA) between 2000 and 2010 and classified MR aetiology/mechanisms. Eligible patients (n = 727) were 73 ± 18 years, 51% females, with ejection fraction (EF) 49 ± 17%. MR was functional (FMR) in 65%, organic (OMR) in 32% and 2% mixed. Functional MR was linked to left ventricular remodelling (FMR-v) 38% and isolated atrial dilatation (FMR-a) 27%. At diagnosis FMR-v vs. FMR-a, vs. OMR displayed profound differences (all P &lt; 0.0001) in age (73 ± 14, 80 ± 10, 68 ± 21years), male-sex (59, 33, 51%), atrial-fibrillation (28, 54, 13%), EF (33 ± 14, 57 ± 11, 61 ± 10%), and regurgitant-volume (38 ± 13, 37 ± 11, 51 ± 24 mL/beat). Dominant MR mechanism was Type I (normal valve-movement) 38%, Type II (excessive valve-movement) 25%, Type IIIa (diastolic movement-restriction) 3%, and Type IIIb (systolic movement-restriction) 34%. Outcomes were mediocre with excess-mortality vs. general-population in FMR-v [risk ratio 3.45 (2.98–3.99), P &lt; 0.0001] but also FMR-a [risk ratio 1.88 (1.52–2.25), P &lt; 0.0001] and OMR [risk ratio 1.83 (1.50–2.22), P &lt; 0.0001]. Heart failure was frequent, particularly in FMR-v (5-year 83 ± 3% vs. 59 ± 4% FMR-a, 40 ± 3% OMR, P &lt; 0.0001). Mitral surgery during patients’ lifetime was performed in 4% of FMR-v, 3% of FMR-a, and 37% of OMR. Conclusion Moderate/severe isolated MR in the community displays considerable aetiology/mechanism heterogeneity. Functional MR dominates, mostly FMR-v but FMR-a is frequent and degenerative MR dominates OMR. Outcomes are mediocre with excess-mortality particularly with FMR-v but FMR-a, despite normal EF incurs notable excess-mortality and frequent heart failure. Pervasive undertreatment warrants clinical trials of therapies tailored to specific MR cause/mechanisms.