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Article

Procedural Outcomes of a Self-Expanding Transcatheter Heart Valve in Small Annuli

1
Department of Cardiology, St. Johannes Hospital, 44137 Dortmund, Germany
2
Department of Cardiology, University of Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
3
Department of Cardiology, Kerckhoff Heart Center, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
4
Department of Cardiac Surgery, Kerckhoff Heart Center, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
5
Department of Cardiac Surgery, St. Johannes Hospital, 44137 Dortmund, Germany
6
Department of Internal Medicine, St. Johannes Hospital, Johannesstraße 9-13, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(18), 5313; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11185313
Submission received: 13 July 2022 / Revised: 1 September 2022 / Accepted: 4 September 2022 / Published: 9 September 2022
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in 2021 and Beyond)

Abstract

:
Background: Self-expanding transcatheter valves (THV) seem superior to balloon-expanding valves in regard to the incidence of prosthesis–patient mismatch (PPM). Data on the occurrence of PPM with the ACURATE neo/neo2 system as a representative of self-expanding prostheses in very small annuli, even below the applicable instructions for use (IFU), are scarce. Methods: Data from 654 patients with severe native aortic stenosis treated with the smallest size ACURATE neo/neo2 valve (size S, 23 mm) at two German high-volume centers from 06/2012 to 12/2021 were evaluated. We compared clinical and hemodynamic outcomes among patients with implantation in adherence to the recommended sizing (on-label n = 529) and below the recommended sizing range (off-label n = 125) and identified predictors for PPM in the overall population. BMI-adjusted PPM was defined according to VARC-3 recommendations. Results: Post-procedure, the mean gradient (10.0 mmHg vs. 9.0 mmHg, p = 0.834) and the rate of paravalvular leakage (PVL) ≥ moderate (3.2% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.770) were similar between on-label and off-label implantations. The rate of moderate to severe PPM (24%) was comparably low in ACURATE neo/neo2 S, with a very low proportion of severe PPM whether implanted off- or on-label (4.9% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.552). Thirty-day all-cause mortality was higher among patients with off-label implantations (6.5% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.036). In the subgroup of these patients, no device-related deaths occurred, and cardiac causes did not differ (each 5). Besides small annulus area and high BMI, a multivariate analysis identified a greater cover index (OR 3.26), deep implantation (OR 2.25) and severe calcification (OR 2.07) as independent predictors of PPM. Conclusions: The ACURATE neo/neo2 S subgroup shows a convincing hemodynamic outcome according to low mean gradient even outside the previous IFUs without a relevant increase in the rate of PVL or PPM. In addition to known factors such as annulus area and BMI, potential predictors for PPM are severe annulus calcification and implantation depth. Nevertheless, the ACURATE neo/neo2 system seems to be a reliable option in patients with very small annuli.

1. Introduction

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has continued to evolve in recent years in terms of experience, technology and clinical application [1,2,3]. Significant differences have emerged between self-expanding and balloon-expanding prostheses, and the new generation of transcatheter heart valves (THVs) continues to address specific drawbacks such as the implantation of pacemakers or paravalvular leakage (PVL) [4,5]. Previous studies in populations with small annuli have mainly highlighted the risk of PPM and negative hemodynamic outcomes due to the narrow anatomy. Strategies to prevent prosthesis–patient mismatch (PPM) include the use of self-expanding supra-annular prostheses in TAVR or aortic root enlargement/replacement and the use of sutureless bioprostheses in surgical valve replacement (SAVR). This study investigates whether the favorable hemodynamic properties of the supra-annular ACURATE neo/neo2 system provides feasibility in a subset of patients with small annuli even below the applicable instructions for use (IFU).

2. Methods

In this retrospective analysis, patients with severe native aortic stenosis who underwent transfemoral TAVR with the ACURATE neo (n = 464) or ACURATE neo2 (n = 191) valve (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) at two German high-volume centers (Kerckhoff Heart Center, Bad Nauheim; St. Johannes Hospital, Dortmund, Germany) between June 2012 and December 2021 were included. The valve design and the implantation technique have been described previously [6,7]. Baseline characteristics such as comorbidities, risk scores, echocardiography, MDCT and cardiac catheterization data were prospectively recorded in a dedicated database, as were procedural data and complications from each participating center. The pooling and review of all data was led by a single investigator, and discrepancies were resolved through direct communication with both centers. Follow-up data were collected at outpatient visits, from recent medical reports or by telephone interview. The study was conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki.

2.1. Multidetector Computed Tomography

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) was performed using a 64-slice or a 192-slice dual-source scanner (Somatom Definition or Somatom Force, Siemens Healthcare, Forchheim, Germany), as previously described [8]. For the analysis of MDCT datasets, a dedicated software was used (3mensio, Pie Medical, Maastricht, The Netherlands). Next to the standard measurements of aortic root dimensions, the cover index [CI = 100 × (prosthesis diameter − perimeter-derived annulus diameter)/prosthesis diameter (%)] and the relation between the sinotubular junction (STJ) and the perimeter-derived annulus was calculated as the STJ-annulus index [= 100 × (STJ − perimeter-derived annulus)/STJ (%)]. The aortic valve calcium score (AVCS) was measured according to the Agatston method using non-contrast-enhanced MDCT scans [9]. The calcium density (Ca-density) was calculated as AVCS/annular area (AU/cm2) [10]. The presence of eccentric aortic valve (AV) calcification and relevant left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) calcification was determined by a visual estimation of the aortic valve in short axis views and maximum intensity projections, as previously described [11].

2.2. Assessment of PPM and Implantation Depth

PPM was defined according to the Valvular Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-3 criteria [12] as BMI adapted (iAVA if BMI < 30 kg/m2: none > 0.85 cm2/m2; moderate 0.85–0.66 cm2/m2; severe ≤ 0.66 cm2/m2; and iAVA if BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2: none > 0.70 cm2/m2; moderate 0.70–0.56 cm2/m2; severe ≤ 0.55 cm2/m2). PVL was assessed at discharge echocardiography using a three-class grading scheme (none/trace, mild, moderate, severe) in adherence to existing recommendations [12]. The implantation depth of the prosthesis was determined upon a final angiography at the non-coronary cusp (NCC) and the left coronary cusp (LCC), as described previously [13].

2.3. Outcomes of Interest

The primary outcome measure was echocardiographic performance described by post-interventional gradients, indicated aortic valve area (iAVA), PVL and possible prosthesis–patient mismatch (PPM), as described above. Secondary outcome measures were 30-day all-cause mortality, technical success, device success at 30 days, and the early safety combined endpoint at 30 days according to the recent VARC-3 document [12].

2.4. Statistical Analysis

The population was divided into two subsets according to whether the implantation was performed in line with the official recommendations of the manufacturer (on-label sizing) or below (off-label sizing). Continuous data are given as median and interquartile range [IQR]. The comparison of groups was accomplished using the Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher’s two-tailed exact test or the chi-square test, as indicated. Univariable logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of PPM, including the following variables: age, coronary artery disease, annulus area, CI for STJ, BMI, implantation depth, LVOT calcification, mean gradient, severe aortic valve calcification, post-dilatation, and ejection fraction. All variables with p-values < 0.1 in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariable analysis and were dichotomized if not already described as such, except for BMI and annulus area (defining target variable). For all analyses, a two-sided p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. All analyses were conducted using R version 4.2.1 (R Core Team (2021). R: A language and environment for statistical computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria. URL https://www.R-project.org/ (accessed on 4 February 2022)).

3. Results

3.1. Baseline Data

The mean age was 82.0 [79.0; 85.5] years and 93.3% were female. In terms of sizing, 125 patients (19.1%) had smaller annulus dimensions that were below the official recommendations (off-label sizing), whereas 529 patients (80.9%) were implanted in adherence to the official recommendations of the manufacturer (on-label sizing). There were no differences with respect to baseline parameters and recorded comorbidities, regardless of whether they received an ACURATE neo/neo2 S with on-label or off-label sizing—see Table 1. Corresponding to the smaller annulus, the anatomical parameters differed for the derived annulus diameter (20.4 mm vs. 22.0 mm, p < 0.001), derived LVOT diameter (19.4 mm vs. 21.2 mm, p < 0.001) and derived STJ diameter (24.9 mm vs. 25.9 mm, p < 0.001).

3.2. Procedural Data and Outcomes

The THV cover index at the annulus level was shown to be greater when implanted off-label (10.9% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.001). The rate of pre-dilation (58.4% vs. 72.8%, p = 0.002) as well as post-dilation (16.8% vs. 26.4%, p = 0.033) was lower when implanted off-label. Implantation depths at the NCC (6.0 mm vs. 6.0 mm; p = 0.966) and LCC (6.0 mm vs. 6.0 mm; p = 0.665) were equal. Technical success (88.8% vs. 90.5%; p = 0.671) and device success at 30 days (80.0% vs. 83.9%, p = 0.355) were comparable in both groups.
Periprocedural complications according to VARC-3 criteria were comparable in both groups. Bleeding type 2–4 was comparable without a difference between the groups (22.6% vs. 21.9%, p = 0.970)—see Table 2. Major cardiac structural complications were rare (1.6% vs. 1.5%, p = 1.000). There was no difference of patients with overt CNS injury (4.0% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.561) or acute kidney injury stage 2–4 (6.4% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.524). The 30-day all-cause mortality showed a higher rate when implanted off-label (6.5% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.036) with an increased rate of in-hospital death (5.6% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.020). A close look at the cause of death (see Table 3) shows a distribution between inflammatory/septic, cardiac or procedural complications (each 5), thromboembolic and multiorgan failure (MOF), with no significant difference between the groups (p < 0.900). No device-related deaths occurred.

3.3. Hemodynamics and PPM

Transthoracic echocardiography assessment before discharge showed low mean transprosthetic gradients (10.0 mmHg vs. 9.0 mmHg, p = 0.834) and low rates of more than mild PVL (3.2% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.770) in the collective of small annuli (see Figure 1). A significantly smaller aortic valve area was seen in relation to body surface area (0.87 cm2/m2 vs. 0.92 cm2/m2, p = 0.029). Numerically, there was a tendency towards an increased rate of moderate and severe PPM (35.4% vs. 26.5%, p = 0.113). Table 4 shows procedural parameters according to the occurrence of a PPM after implantation. Table 5 shows the multivariable logistic regression model for dichotomized parameters for the total population. In the overall cohort, lower annulus area, higher BMI, deeper implantation and severe calcification were independent predictors of moderate to severe PPM.

4. Discussion

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has become the gold standard for treating most patients suffering from aortic valve stenosis. Nonetheless, there are still patients who do not fulfill classic sizing criteria, as indicated in the respective IFUs of different valve manufacturers. Within the current IFUs of the self-expanding THV systems, the ACURATE neo/neo2 represents intermediate values with lower limits from a 21-mm diameter and 346-mm2 annulus area. In our collective, the ACURATE neo/neo2 system was implanted off-label down to 18.7 mm and 260 mm2. The main findings of our study are: (1) ACURATE neo/neo2 S showed favorable procedural results in small annuli (both within and below the IFU), low gradients and a low rate of severe PPM; (2) there is no significant difference in postprocedural gradients and the rate of PVL between on- and off-label implantation; (3) there is no difference in the rate of PPM when implanted off-label; (4) independent predictors of PPM were a greater cover index (STJ), a severely calcified annulus and deep implantation; (5) the 30-day all-cause mortality showed a higher rate when sized off-label.

4.1. Prosthesis–Patient Mismatch and PVL

In this high-risk population of patients with small annuli, the SMALL registry [14] for ACURATE neo/neo2 system showed the most convincing results in terms of the incidence of moderate (6.4%) to severe (4.7%) PPM. Only Evolut Pro had lower rates of severe PPM (2.2%), but higher rates of moderate PPM (18.3%) [14]. The self-expanding ACURATE neo/neo2 system is considered superior to intra-annular systems for its preferable hemodynamic features [15]. Due to this, supra-annular self-expanding TAVI systems are increasingly recommended to avoid severe PPM [16,17]. To date, risk factors for the occurrence of PPM are largely unexplored. Previous studies have shown an increased risk of moderate to severe PPM with small annulus, balloon-expanding systems, severe calcification of the aortic valve, reduced ejection fraction and younger age, whereas the risk seems to be reduced after post-dilatation [16,18]. We can confirm these results in our collective, except for the role of ejection fraction and post-dilatation. This may be due to either the overall strikingly lower rate of pre-dilatation (70%) compared to previous studies with this system [14], or the relatively higher radial force of the ACURATE neo/neo2 S prosthesis. The low median gradient with 10 mmHg (6–12 mmHg) when implanted TAVR off-label should be highlighted.
Regardless of the PPM defined according to VARC-3 criteria on iAVA, the gradients show a low rate of de facto PPM in patients with normal left ventricular function. According to the estimated AVA the rate of PPM is 24%, but functionally and according to the transprosthetic gradients it is still significantly lower. Patients with small annuli appeared to benefit with respect to hemodynamic outcome in studies comparing TAVR with SAVR [16]. This makes the ACURATE neo/neo2 system a real alternative in direct comparison to surgical aortic valve replacement with frequently necessary aortic root dilation.

4.2. Pacemaker

The overall rate of pacemaker implantation in this cohort was low with (8.0% vs. 7.2%, p = 0.901) in relation to the latest data [17]. Regardless, the ACURATE neo/neo2 system is characterized by an only moderate radial force, especially compared to the Evolut system [19] or balloon-expandable prostheses [20]. With regard to the outcome-relevant long-term effects of right ventricular pacing, low pacing rates should be aimed for [21].

4.3. Procedural and 30-Day Outcome

Technical success was high overall in the ACURATE neo/neo2 S collective (90.2%). As already mentioned, the comparison of previous studies in the collective of small annuli shows a very low overall rate of pre- (58.4% vs. 72.8%, p = 0.002) and post-dilatation (16.8% vs. 26.4%, p = 0.033) with a markedly lower rate when off-label sized. According to this, Pagnesi et al. highlighted in the NEOPRO multicenter study the safety and feasibility of ACCURATE neo implantation without predilatation, especially in low calcified patients [22]. The rate of bleeding, vascular complications and CNS injury according to the latest VARC-3 criteria also showed only numerical differences when implanted off-label. Nevertheless, the rate of all-cause mortality intrahospital and after 30 days showed inferiority (6.5% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.036). Given the indifference in PPM, this factor can surely be ruled out as a potential underlying reason. In fact, a close look at the cause of death shows similar distribution on inflammatory/septic, cardiac or procedural complications, thromboembolic and MOF between the groups with no significant accumulation of cardiac causes. In general, PVL and PPM have been identified as predictors of worse outcomes, but the role in the subset of patients with small annuli is so far unclear. However, the incidence of significant PVL, contrary to the rate of PPM, appears to be significantly lower in patients with small aortic annuli than in patients with larger aortic annuli.
Therefore, the statistical difference in mortality is most likely due to the small sample failure (n = 8 and n = 12, respectively). Large-scale randomized trials with long-term follow-up are needed to assess the effects of PPM and PVL on patients with aortic stenosis in the small aortic annuli collective.

4.4. Limitations

The present analysis is, of course, limited by its retrospective, non-randomized nature. The relatively long period over which the study was included also introduces bias due to learning curve effects and different procedural approaches (e.g., changes in pre/post dilatation strategies, single femoral access, radial access for pigtail catheter). There was no adverse event monitoring, and the imaging data were not analyzed by a core laboratory. LVOT calcification and eccentric AV calcification were assessed visually without further quantification. Echocardiographic data are missing in 1.5% (10/654) patients. The follow up at 30 days was incomplete in 1.2% (8/654). However, the data set represents real-world data from two high-volume centers on the largest data set to date in the small annuli subgroup for the ACURATE neo/neo2 system, which helps to overcome the above-mentioned potential biases.

5. Conclusions

The ACURATE neo system shows a low rate of PVL and PPM when implanted in small annuli, even outside the official instructions for use. A severely calcified annulus and deep implantation should be considered as potential predictors for calculated PPM. The ACURATE neo system is convincing as a reliable option, especially in patients with very small annuli, when weighed against surgical aortic valve replacement.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, C.E., W.-K.K. and J.B.; methodology, C.E., W.-K.K. and J.B.; software, C.E.; validation, C.E., W.-K.K. and J.B.; formal analysis, C.E., W.-K.K. and J.B.; investigation, C.E.; data curation, C.E., D.S., J.B., G.D., M.R., Y.-H.C. and W.-K.K.; writing—original draft preparation, C.E., D.S., J.B. and W.-K.K.; writing—review and editing, C.G., V.T., H.M., M.R., C.W.H., E.C., Y.-H.C. and G.D.; visualization, C.E.; supervision, J.B., W.-K.K. and H.M.; project administration, J.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was conducted in accordance with Declaration of Helsinki. Due to the retrospective nature of the study, ethical approval was waived by each local ethics committee.

Informed Consent Statement

Patients confirmed anonymous data collection.

Data Availability Statement

Data is contained within the article.

Acknowledgments

H.M.: Proctor fees and or speaker honoraria from Boston Scientific. W.K.-K.: Proctor fees and or speaker honoraria from Boston. J.B.: Proctor fees and or speaker honoraria from Boston Scientific.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Abbreviations

Ca-densitycalcium density
CIcover index
LVOT left ventricular outflow tract
MDCT multidetector computed tomography
PVL paravalvular leakage
STJ sinotubular junction
TAVR transcatheter aortic valve replacement
THV transcatheter heart valve
PPM Prosthesis–patient mismatch
iAVA indexed aortic valve area

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Figure 1. PVL on- vs. off-label sizing. Abbreviation: PVL = paravalvular leak.
Figure 1. PVL on- vs. off-label sizing. Abbreviation: PVL = paravalvular leak.
Jcm 11 05313 g001
Table 1. Baseline characteristics.
Table 1. Baseline characteristics.
VariableOff-Label SizingOn-Label Sizingp Value
n = 125n = 529
Age, years82.0 [79.9; 85.5]82.0 [79.0; 85.6]0.677
Female gender119 (95.2%)495 (93.6%)0.635
BMI, kg/m226.6 [22.8; 30.1]25.8 [23.4; 29.8]0.928
EuroScore I, %16.3 [10.7; 25.7]16.7 [10.1; 24.3]0.489
EuroScore II, %3.3 [2.5; 4.9]3.4 [2.3; 5.0]0.931
eGFR, mL/min/1,73 m259.0 [42.0; 74.0]55.0 [42.0; 75.0]0.526
Peripheral artery disease13 (10.4%)60 (11.3%)0.886
Prior stroke8 (6.4%)65 (12.3%)0.085
Atrial fibrillation43 (34.4%)170 (32.1%)0.704
Coronary artery disease61 (48.8%)303 (57.3%)0.106
Electrocardiographic data
Previous right bundle branch block10 (8.0%)43 (8.1%)1.000
Previous left bundle branch block8 (6.4%)39 (7.4%)0.852
Previous atrioventricular block11 (8.8%)76 (14.4%)0.133
Echocardiographic data
Ejection fraction, %65.0 [60.0; 65.0]65.0 [60.0; 65.0]0.666
Mean gradient, mmHg43.0 [34.0; 49.0]43.0 [35.0; 54.0]0.173
AVA, cm20.7 [0.6; 0.8]0.7 [0.6; 0.8]0.080
MDCT data
Perimeter derived annulus diameter, mm20.4 [20.1; 20.7]22.0 [21.6;22.4]<0.001
LVOT, mm19.4 [18.1; 20.2]21.2 [20.1;22.2]<0.001
STJ, mm24.9 [23.3; 26.5]25.9 [24.7;27.1]<0.001
Aortic valve calcification, AU1372.0 [875.0; 2042.0]1670.0 [1088.0; 2486.8]0.001
Calcium density, AU/m2427.7 [276.7; 684.1]481.9 [317.4;732.1]0.050
Calcification in LVOT5 (4.0%)24 (4.5%)0.983
Eccentric calcification11 (8.8%)75 (14.2%)0.146
Abbreviation: BMI = body mass index; eGFR = glomerular filtration rate; AVA = aortic valve area; LVOT = left ventricular outflow tract; STJ = sinotubular junction.
Table 2. Procedural outcomes and complications.
Table 2. Procedural outcomes and complications.
VariableOff-Label SizingOn-Label Sizingp Value
n = 125n = 529
Procedural parameter
THV cover index (perimeter), %10.9 [9.9; 12.6]4.5 [2.6; 6.3]<0.001
Procedural duration, min47.0 [35.0; 61.0]45.0 [36.0; 60.0]0.691
Contrast agent, mL80.0 [55.0; 106.0]80.0 [55.8; 110.0]0.627
Pre-dilatation, %73 (58.4%)385 (72.8%)0.002
Post-dilatation, %21 (16.8%)138 (26.4%)0.033
Depth NCC, mm6.0 [4.0; 6.5]6.0 [4.0; 6.5]0.966
Depth LCC, mm6.0 [5.0; 7.0]6.0 [4.0; 7.0]0.665
Echocardiographic outcome
Ejection fraction, %65.0 [63.0;65.0]65.0 [60.0;65.0]0.873
Mean gradient, mmHg10.0 [6.0;12.0]9.0 [6.8;13.0]0.834
AVA, cm21.5 [1.3; 1.7]1.6 [1.4;1.8]<0.001
iAVA, cm2/m20.87 [0.7; 1.0]0.92 [0.8;1.1]0.029
Clinical outcome
Technical success111 (88.8%)479 (90.5%)0.671
Device success at 30 days100 (80.0%)444 (83.9%)0.355
Early safety at 30 days51 (40.8%)220 (41.6%)0.952
In-hospital death7 (5.6%)9 (1.7%)0.020
All-cause death at 30 days8 (6.5%)12 (2.3%)0.036
Relevant PVL (>mild/trace)4 (3.2%)15 (2.8%)0.770
Moderate to severe PPM29 (35.4%)111 (26.5%)0.113
Severe PPM4 (4.9%)16 (3.8%)0.552
Conversion to sternotomy2 (1.6%)3 (0.6%)0.244
Multiple valves (ViV)2 (1.6%)3 (0.6%)0.244
Device embolization4 (3.2%)7 (1.3%)0.235
Major vascular complication12 (9.6%)46 (8.7%)0.885
Bleeding (type 2–4)28 (22.6%)116 (21.9%)0.970
Overt CNS injury5 (4.0%)15 (2.8%)0.561
Cardiac structural complication2 (1.6%)8 (1.5%)1.000
AKI (type 2–4)8 (6.4%)24 (4.5%)0.524
New permanent pacemaker 110 (8.4%)38 (8.1%)1.000
Abbreviation: THV = transcatheter heart valve; LCC = left coronary cusp; NCC = non coronary cusp; AVA = aortic valve area; iAVA = indexed aortic valve area; PVL = paravalvular leak; CNS = central nervous system; PPM = prosthesis–patient mismatch; AKI = acute kidney injury. 1 Excluded patients with preexisting pacemaker (n = 65) at baseline.
Table 3. Reason for death up to 30 days.
Table 3. Reason for death up to 30 days.
Off-Label SizingOn-Label Sizingp Value
n = 8n = 12
All-cause death 0.900
Cardiac/procedural related5 (62.5%)5 (41.7%)
Inflammatory/sepsis2 (25.0%)3 (25.0%)
Multiorgan failure (MOF)1 (12.5%)2 (16.7%)
Stroke0 (0.0%)2 (16.7%)
Table 4. Procedural data and outcome according to PPM.
Table 4. Procedural data and outcome according to PPM.
no PPMPPMp Value
n = 361n = 140
Procedural parameter
THV cover index (perimeter), %5.0 [3.1; 7.5]4.7 [3.1; 8.2]0.637
THV cover index (STJ), %−0.2 [−9.1; −0.1]−0.1 [−0.2; −0.1]<0.001
Procedural duration, min45.0 [35.0; 58.0]40.0 [33.0; 48.0]0.001
Contrast agent, mL77.0 [48.8; 104.2]74.0 [50.0; 100.0]0.647
Pre-dilatation, %239 (66.2%)94 (67.1%)0.925
Post-dilatation, %96 (26.9%)32 (22.9%)0.417
Depth NCC, mm5.7 [4.0; 6.5]6.0 [5.0; 6.5]0.232
Depth LCC, mm6.0 [4.0; 7.0]6.0 [5.0; 7.0]0.527
Echocardiographic outcome
Ejection fraction, %65.0 [61.0; 65.0]65.0 [65.0; 65.0]0.092
Mean gradient, mmHg9.0 [6.0; 12.0]13.0 [9.0; 15.0]<0.001
AVA, cm21.7 [1.5; 1.8]1.3 [1.2; 1.4]<0.001
Clinical outcome (VARC 3)
Technical success338 (93.6%)131 (93.6%)1.000
Device success at 30 days324 (89.8%)114 (81.4%)0.018
Early safety at 30 days150 (41.6%)37 (26.4%)0.002
All-cause death at 30 days2 (0.6%)1 (0.7%)1.000
In-hospital death1 (0.3%)1 (0.7%)0.481
Relevant PVL11 (3.0%)5 (3.6%)0.780
Conversion to sternotomy2 (0.6%)0 (0.0%)1.000
Multiple valves (ViV)1 (0.3%)3 (2.1%)0.068
Embolization4 (1.1%)3 (2.1%)0.405
Major vascular complication27 (7.5%)10 (7.1%)1.000
Bleed (type 2–4)70 (19.4%)23 (16.5%)0.546
Overt CNS injury7 (1.9%)3 (2.1%)1.000
AKI (type 2–4)16 (4.4%)3 (2.1%)0.346
New permanent pacemaker 127 (7.5%)7 (5.0%)0.428
Abbreviation: THV = transcatheter heart valve; LCC = left coronary cusp; NCC = non coronary cusp; AVA = aortic valve area; iAVA = aortic valve area; PVL = paravalvular leak; CNS = central nervous system; PPM = prosthesis–patient mismatch; AKI = acute kidney injury. 1 Excluded patients with preexisting pacemaker (n = 65) at baseline.
Table 5. Predictors of PPM.
Table 5. Predictors of PPM.
Univariatep ValueMultivariatep Value
Predictors
Age (>84 years)1.23 (0.82, 1.83)0.316
CAD (%)1.08 (0.73, 1.60)0.690
Annulus area (>3.38 mm2)0.22 (0.12, 0.40) <0.001 excluded 1
Cover index, STJ ( >−0.19%)2.95 (1.88, 4.63)<0.0013.26 (2.03–5.23)<0.001
Cover index, Perimeter (>4.74%)0.81 (0.55, 1.20)0.302
BMI (>22.77 kg/m2)2.90 (1.59, 5.30) <0.001 excluded 1
EuroScore II (>2.49)1.27 (0.82, 1.96)0.278
Depth LCC (>5.7 mm)1.64 (1.09, 2.47)0.0172.25 (1.44–3.53)<0.001
LVOT calcification1.18 (0.40, 3.45)0.767
Mean transaortic pressure (mmHg)2.12 (1.33, 3.37)0.0021.49 (0.85–2.61)0.157
Severe calcification (>1690 HU)2.01 (1.35, 3.00)<0.0012.07 (1.29–3.33)0.002
Post dilatation0.81 (0.51, 1.27)0.351
Ejection fraction (<55%)1.33 (0.73, 2.43)0.358
Abbreviation: CAD = coronary artery disease; STJ = sinutubular junction; LCC = left coronary cusp; LVOT = left ventricular outflow tract. 1 Excluded from the analysis because they define the target variable.
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Eckel, C.; Sötemann, D.; Kim, W.-K.; Grothusen, C.; Tiyerili, V.; Dohmen, G.; Renker, M.; Charitos, E.; Hamm, C.W.; Choi, Y.-H.; et al. Procedural Outcomes of a Self-Expanding Transcatheter Heart Valve in Small Annuli. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 5313. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11185313

AMA Style

Eckel C, Sötemann D, Kim W-K, Grothusen C, Tiyerili V, Dohmen G, Renker M, Charitos E, Hamm CW, Choi Y-H, et al. Procedural Outcomes of a Self-Expanding Transcatheter Heart Valve in Small Annuli. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2022; 11(18):5313. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11185313

Chicago/Turabian Style

Eckel, Clemens, Dagmar Sötemann, Won-Keun Kim, Christina Grothusen, Vedat Tiyerili, Guido Dohmen, Matthias Renker, Efstratios Charitos, Christian W. Hamm, Yeong-Hoon Choi, and et al. 2022. "Procedural Outcomes of a Self-Expanding Transcatheter Heart Valve in Small Annuli" Journal of Clinical Medicine 11, no. 18: 5313. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11185313

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