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Background: Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in cardiogenic shock (CS) presents unique therapeutic challenges, especially in patients with prohibitive surgical risk. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with MitraClip offers a less invasive alternative, yet optimal strategies for hemodynamic support in this setting remain unclear. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients undergoing MitraClip implantation for severe MR and CS between 2018 and 2024 at a tertiary academic center. Of 440 screened cases, 47 met CS criteria and were stratified based on receipt of periprocedural Impella support. Clinical, procedural, and survival outcomes were compared between Impella-supported and unsupported cohorts using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Among the 47 patients, 24 received Impella support and 23 did not. The Impella group had greater illness severity, including higher rates of preprocedural intubation (75.0% vs. 43.5%) and SCAI stage D shock (50.0% vs. 13.0%). Despite these differences, procedural success was 100% in both groups. In-hospital (8.3% vs. 8.7%), 30-day (12.5% vs. 8.7%), and 1-year mortality (25.0% vs. 26.0%) were similar between Impella and non-Impella patients, respectively. Impella recipients had longer hospital stays (median 18 vs. 11 days; p=0.032) and higher 1-year readmission rates (55.0% vs. 21.7%; p=0.024), reflecting baseline acuity. There were no differences in major procedural complications or re-intervention rates. Conclusions: MitraClip implantation in CS patients supported with Impella is feasible and safe. Despite significantly worse hemodynamic profiles, outcomes were comparable to those without mechanical support. These findings suggest a potential role for tailored Impella use in expanding TEER to critically ill patients and underscore the need for prospective studies to guide support strategies in high-risk MR intervention.

Background: Patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) undergoing radiation therapy face potential risks of device malfunction. Proton beam therapy (PBT), with its reduced neutron scatter, has emerged as a potentially safer alternative, yet real-world safety data remain scarce. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 100 patients with CIEDs (76 pacemakers, 24 ICDs) who underwent PBT from 2016 to 2023 at a quaternary center. Baseline and serial device interrogations were performed before, during, and after treatment to assess lead impedance, capture thresholds, battery function, and arrhythmic events. Patients were stratified by pacemaker dependence and monitored accordingly. Primary outcomes included device malfunction and new-onset arrhythmias during treatment. Secondary outcomes included device parameter changes, one-year arrhythmia incidence, and cardiac-related hospitalizations. Results: No treatment-related deaths or major device failures occurred. Device malfunction was rare (2 pacemaker patients, 2.6%), with no malfunctions in ICD recipients. Transient, non-clinically significant changes in lead impedance and capture thresholds were observed. Arrhythmias during treatment occurred in 26% of pacemaker and 25% of ICD patients, but only 4% developed new arrhythmias. At one year, device-related complications and cardiac outcomes remained comparable across groups. Independent predictors of arrhythmias during treatment included a higher radiation dose per fraction (OR 1.45; p=0.001), a longer treatment duration (OR 1.12; p=0.04), and a higher number of fractions (OR 1.20; p=0.01). Conclusion: Proton beam therapy appears safe in patients with CIEDs, with a low incidence of clinically significant device malfunctions or arrhythmias. These findings support the integration of PBT into routine practice for this population and underscore the importance of structured monitoring protocols and prospective guideline refinement.

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic cardiomyopathy marked by increased left ventricular wall thickness, leading in some cases to left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Mavacamten, a selective allosteric inhibitor of cardiac myosin, has demonstrated benefits in improving hemodynamics and reducing LVOT obstruction. However, its impact on arrhythmic burden remains unclear, with reports of early atrial fibrillation (AF) risk contrasting with long-term reductions in arrhythmias. This study assesses the temporal patterns of Holter-detected arrhythmias in HCM patients treated with mavacamten. Methods: This retrospective study included HCM patients from three Mayo Clinic sites. Baseline demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic data were collected. Holter monitoring was performed at baseline, short-term (<6 months), and long-term (>6 months) follow-up. Arrhythmic events, including premature atrial contractions (PACs), premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), were analyzed using standardized rates per 24 h. Statistical comparisons utilized the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Twenty-seven patients (56% female, median age 66 years) were included. PACs, PVCs, and SVT duration transiently but not significantly increased at short-term follow-up but returned to baseline at long-term follow-up. No sustained or high-risk ventricular arrhythmias were observed. Conclusions: Mavacamten is associated with transient arrhythmic fluctuations early in treatment, followed by stabilization. These findings support its long-term electrophysiological safety and underscore the need for early rhythm monitoring. Further research should explore its role in arrhythmic risk stratification in HCM patients.

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the quest for improved therapeutic strategies, the addition of Sodium Glucose Transporter Inhibitors (SGLTis) to the treatment regimen has garnered considerable attention. This meta-analysis endeavors to shed light on the efficacy of SGLTis in short-term cardio-renal protection post-AMI. By synthesizing evidence from diverse studies. Methods: Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, a meticulous systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Comprehensive literature searches across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopes, and Google Scholar were performed. Inclusion criteria comprised four Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), one retrospective cohort, and one observational study, investigating the effects of SGLTis versus placebo on AMI patients, irrespective of diabetic status. Our analysis included the following outcomes: acute kidney injury, all-cause death, cardiovascular mortality, cardiac death, composite of cardiovascular death/hospitalization for heart failure, and NT-proBNP levels. Results: Our analysis encompassed six scientific articles involving 7238 patients. SGLTIs exhibited a notable favorable effect solely on acute kidney injury (P value=0.001, 95% CI [0.46-0.82]). Conversely, no significant benefit was observed in other short-term outcomes, including all-cause death, cardiovascular mortality, cardiac death, composite of cardiovascular death/hospitalization for heart failure, and NT-proBNP levels. These results align with previous studies suggesting the renal protective effects of SGLTIs but highlight the need for further research to clarify their overall cardiovascular benefits in AMI patients. Conclusion: Incorporating SGLTis into the therapeutic armamentarium of AMI patients, irrespective of diabetic status, demonstrated a discernible advantage solely concerning acute kidney injury. However, no appreciable benefit was discerned across other assessed metrics. These findings underscore the need for further exploration and tailored therapeutic strategies in the management of post-AMI patients.

Abstract Introduction Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have reduced restenosis and reintervention of femoropopliteal lesions compared to uncoated percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). However, limited data are available on different dosages of the DCBs. Purpose We aimed to give a comprehensive analysis in this regard and update the current evidence. Methods We searched Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed, and WOS from inception till February 2024 to include all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that addressed different dosages of DCBs in femoropopliteal lesions. The primary endpoint was all-cause death, primary patency, and amputation at six months, while the secondary outcomes were all-cause death, primary patency, and amputation at 12 months. Dichotomous data were pooled using Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) in a random-effect model. Results A total of 21 studies, including 4081 patients in the analysis. Low-dose DCB was associated with high rates of primary patency compared to the standard dose at both 6 and 12 months of follow-up with the following values (OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.48 to 4.08, and 1.93, 95% CI: 1.5 to 2.49, receptively). Also, low-dose DCB reduced the incidence of clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) compared to the standard dose at 12 months (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.65). Regarding high-dose DCB, higher primary patency rates were observed when compared to standard doses at 6 and 12 months (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.99, and 5.47, 95% CI: 4.31 to 6.95, respectively). Moreover, high-dose DCB reduced the incidence of CD-TLR at 6 and 12 months of follow-up (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.63, and 0.63, 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.84, respectively). Conclusion Low-dose DCBs were associated with higher primary patency without significant differences in all-cause mortality or amputation. On the other hand, high-dose DCBs were associated with a higher incidence of amputation without significant differences in other studied outcomes.Low dose Paclitaxel coated balloon vs CoHigh dose Paclitaxel coated balloon vs C

AbstractBackgroundDespite optimal medical therapy and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), significant functional mitral regurgitation (MR) persisted in 30% of the patients and labeled as CRT nonresponders.AimsWe sought to study the impact of transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER) in patients with symptomatic grade III and IV functional MR despite CRT.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients who had prior CRT for at least 6 months and underwent TEER for significant residual functional MR (grade ≥3) and symptomatic heart failure (HF) at our institution. The primary outcomes were the change in New York Heart Association classification (NYHA), MR grade, echo parameters, and NT‐ProBNP from baseline to 1‐year post‐procedure.ResultsA total of 28 patients were identified, mean age of 73 ± 6.7 years and 89% males. Procedure success was achieved in all patients. At 1‐year follow‐up, patients had lower MR grade (median 2, IQR 1 [1,2] vs. 4, IQR 1 [3,4]; p < 0.001), NYHA class (median 2, IQR 1 [2,3] vs. 3, IQR 1 [3,4]; p < 0.001), and NT‐ProBNP (7658 ± 11322 vs. 3760 ± 4431; p = 0.035) compared to before the TEER procedure. The left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (255 ± 59 vs. 244 ± 66 mm; p = 0.016) and the right ventricular systolic pressure (52 ± 14 mmHg vs. 37 ± 13 mmHg, <0.001) decreased.ConclusionPatients who remain symptomatic after CRT with severe functional MR had improved functional status and MR grade at 1‐year following TEER. There was a signal toward reverse remodeling.

Abstract Background Fabry’s disease, an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, shares cardiac manifestations with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We underscore the importance of considering Fabry’s disease as a differential diagnosis in HCM patients, highlighting genetic testing’s role in cardiomyopathy evaluation. Case summary Three male patients with left ventricular hypertrophy were initially diagnosed with HCM but were later found to have Fabry’s disease through genetic testing. Atypical features such as renal dysfunction and conduction abnormalities raised suspicion. Genetic testing confirmed diagnosis, guiding tailored management. Discussion Fabry’s disease poses diagnostic challenges due to its resemblance to HCM. Genetic testing enables precise diagnosis and personalized management, especially in cases with atypical presentations. Early recognition and intervention, facilitated by genetic testing, can improve patient outcomes in Fabry’s disease.

Abstract Background: Newer generation ultrathin strut stents are associated with less incidence of target lesion failure (TLF) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the short term. However, its long-term effect on different cardiovascular outcomes remains unknown. Objectives: We aim to identify the effects of newer-generation ultrathin-strut stents vs. standard thickness second-generation drug eluting stents (DES) on long term outcomes of revascularization in coronary artery disease. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, and Scopus for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and registries that compare newer-generation ultrathin-strut (<70 mm) with thicker-strut (>70 mm) DES to evaluate cardioprotective effects over a period of up to 5 years. Primary outcome was TLF, a composite of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI) or target lesion revascularization (TLR). Secondary outcomes included the components of TLF, stent thrombosis (ST), and all-cause death were pooled as the standardized mean difference between the two groups from baseline to endpoint. Results: We included 19 RCTs and two prospective registries (96756 patients) in this analysis. The overall effect on the primary outcome was in favor of second-generation ultrathin struts stents in terms of TLF at ≥ one year, ≥ two years, and ≥ three years (P value= 0.01, 95% CI [0.75, 0.96]), P value=0.003, 95% CI [0.77, 0.95]), P value= 0.007, 95% CI [0.76, 0.96]), respectively. However, there was no reported benefit in terms of TLF when we compared the two groups at ≥ five years (P value= 0.21), 95% CI [0.85, 1.04]). Some of the reported components of the primary and secondary outcomes, such as TLR, target vessel revascularization (TVR), and TVMI, showed the same pattern as the TLF outcome. Conclusion: Ultrathin-strut DES showed a beneficial effect over thicker strut stents for up to three years. However, at the 5-year follow-up, the ultrathin strut did not differ in terms of TLF, TLR, TVR, and TVMI compared with standard-thickness DES, with similar risks of patient-oriented composite endpoint (POCE), MI, ST, cardiac death, and all-cause mortality.

Abstract Aims Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is common in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Cardiac amyloidosis has poor outcomes, and its assessment in all TAVR patients is costly and challenging. Electrocardiogram (ECG) artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that screen for CA may be useful to identify at-risk patients. Methods and results In this retrospective analysis of our institutional National Cardiovascular Disease Registry (NCDR)-TAVR database, patients undergoing TAVR between January 2012 and December 2018 were included. Pre-TAVR CA probability was analysed by an ECG AI predictive model, with &gt;50% risk defined as high probability for CA. Univariable and propensity score covariate adjustment analyses using Cox regression were performed to compare clinical outcomes between patients with high CA probability vs. those with low probability at 1-year follow-up after TAVR. Of 1426 patients who underwent TAVR (mean age 81.0 ± 8.5 years, 57.6% male), 349 (24.4%) had high CA probability on pre-procedure ECG. Only 17 (1.2%) had a clinical diagnosis of CA. After multivariable adjustment, high probability of CA by ECG AI algorithm was significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.96, P = 0.046] and higher rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (transient ischaemic attack (TIA)/stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure hospitalizations] (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.01–1.82, P = 0.041), driven primarily by heart failure hospitalizations (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.13–2.20, P = 0.008) at 1-year follow-up. There were no significant differences in TIA/stroke or myocardial infarction. Conclusion Artificial intelligence applied to pre-TAVR ECGs identifies a subgroup at higher risk of clinical events. These targeted patients may benefit from further diagnostic evaluation for CA.

Background: Fabry's disease (FD), an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, can present with cardiac manifestations similar to HCM. We aim to emphasize considering FD as a differential diagnosis in patients with HCM while highlighting the role of genetic testing in evaluating left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Cases Presentation: We present a case series of 3 patients with LVH. Despite initial clinical suspicion of primary HCM, genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of FD. Patient 1: A 38-year-old male with no prior medical history presented with presyncope, lightheadedness, and chest tightness. EKG, Echo, and cardiac MRI suggested apical HCM. Genetic testing indicated FD. Patient 2: A 62-year-old male sought a second opinion regarding his diffuse HCM. EKG suggested RBBB. Echo showed a binary appearance of the myocardium, concentric LVH. Genetic testing confirmed FD. Patient 3: A 64-year-old male with a history of hypertension and renal disease underwent evaluation for kidney transplantation. Echo showed severely increased concentric LVH and Valsalva-induced intracavitary gradient/obstruction. Alpha-galactosidase level returned very low, suggesting FD, which was confirmed by genetic testing. Discussion: FD can be challenging to diagnose due to overlapping clinical and imaging features with HCM, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed management. Therefore, Genetic testing should be offered to all patients with suspected HCM to exclude phenocopies. Particularly, those with progressive HCM and atypical clinical features (renal disease and family history predominantly in males) and imaging features (conduction abnormalities on EKG, binary appearance on Echo). Early identification of FD enables appropriate management, including enzyme replacement therapy, potentially improving clinical outcomes. Conclusions: FD should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with HCM. Genetic testing plays a vital role in evaluating patients with HCM.