Background:Persistent tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) is common and associated with adverse outcomes. However, the prognostic relevance of persistent TR may differ depending on anatomical suitability for staged transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention (TTVI). This study aimed to characterize the prevalence, determinants, and prognostic significance of persistent severe TR after M-TEER, with a particular focus on TTVI eligibility. Methods:In this dual-center retrospective cohort study, 905 patients undergoing M-TEER for severe mitral regurgitation between 2015 and 2025 were analyzed. TR severity was assessed at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. Patients with persistent severe TR were categorized as TTVI eligible or TTVI ineligible according to current guideline-based criteria. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with persistent TR, and survival analyses evaluated the prognostic impact of TR persistence. Results:Among 905 patients (median age 79.7 years; 43.4% female), 1-year and 2-year survival rates after M-TEER were 87.7% (95% CI: 85.6%-89.9%) and 77.6% (95% CI: 74.9%-80.4%), respectively. Follow-up echocardiography was available in 454 patients (50.2%). Persistent severe TR was present in 16.3% at 3 months. TTVI-ineligible patients had markedly reduced 2-year survival (39.5%; 95% CI: 22.8%-68.4%), whereas TTVI-eligible patients showed survival similar to those without persistent TR (82.9% [95% CI: 72.8%-94.5%] vs. 87.7% [95% CI: 84.4%-91.2%]). In multivariable analysis, TTVI ineligibility was independently associated with elevated 2-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.25 [95% CI: 1.39-19.8]). Advanced right heart remodeling and higher baseline TR severity were strongly associated with TR persistence. Moreover, female sex was independently associated with persistent TR despite similar mitral regurgitation etiology and baseline TR severity between sexes. Conclusion:Persistent TR after M-TEER identifies a high-risk subgroup, but adverse outcomes are primarily driven by patients ineligible for TTVI. Early anticipation of TR persistence, particularly in women, and structured assessment of TTVI eligibility may enable timely intervention and prevent progression to untreatable right-sided heart failure.

Recurrent tricuspid valve regurgitation (TVR) after tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) poses a significant challenge, particularly when centrally positioned clips impede subsequent transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR). Electrosurgical laceration and stabilisation of T-TEER (ELASTA-T) has been developed to facilitate TTVR by enabling controlled single leaflet device attachment (SLDA). The aim of this manuscript is to provide a step-by-step standardised description of the ELASTA-T strategy, outlining essential procedural principles, the required equipment, and technical steps. ELASTA-T involves intentional detachment of the most centrally placed tricuspid clip using electrosurgical leaflet laceration. A modified coronary guidewire shaped into a "flying V" - based on Bioprosthetic Aortic Scallop Intentional Laceration to prevent Iatrogenic Coronary Artery obstruction (BASILICA) and Laceration of the Anterior Mitral leaflet to Prevent Outflow ObstructioN (LAMPOON) principles - is positioned across the target leaflet using bilateral femoral vein access, deflectable guiding sheaths, microcatheters, and a snare-assisted venovenous rail. Laceration is performed under fluoroscopic and transoesophageal echocardiographic guidance, with preventive haemodynamic support on standby because of the risk of transient severe TVR. After laceration, the clip is mobilised towards the septal leaflet to avoid interference with valve deployment, followed by immediate implantation of a dedicated transcatheter tricuspid valve (TTV). ELASTA-T allows safe and reproducible SLDA, creating adequate central space for accurate positioning and full expansion of a TTV. Detachment can be reliably confirmed by fluoroscopy and transoesophageal echocardiography. By removing any mechanical obstruction from centrally placed clips, the technique facilitates secure TTVR anchoring and may reduce paravalvular regurgitation. This step-by-step framework may support procedural standardisation and broader adoption, ultimately improving outcomes in this high-risk population.

The expanding use of bioprosthetic aortic valve replacements has raised concerns regarding the long-term durability of bioprosthetic valve prostheses. While lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is implicated in the pathogenesis of native aortic valve stenosis, its impact on bioprosthetic valve degeneration leading to reintervention remains unclear. To evaluate the association between Lp(a) levels and structural degeneration of aortic bioprosthetic valves in patients undergoing secondary aortic valve procedure. We retrospectively analyzed 389 patients with available Lp(a) values who underwent replacement of a degenerated aortic bioprosthetic valves between February 2001 and September 2024. Endpoint was the interval from initial surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) to the second aortic valve procedure either as transvascular or surgical replacement. Patients were stratified by Lp(a) levels into low (< 105 nmol/L) and high (≥ 105 nmol/L) Lp(a) groups. Associations between Lp(a) levels and time-to-reintervention were assessed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Out of an initial cohort of 909 patients, 389 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 296 patients showed low and 93 high Lp(a) levels. Baseline characteristics were comparable between both groups. The median time from initial valve implantation to the second aortic valve intervention did not differ significantly by Lp(a) group. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated no significant association between elevated Lp(a) and time-to-reintervention (hazard ratio [HR] 0.81; 95

The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), calculated as neutrophils × platelets / lymphocytes, reflects the interplay between systemic inflammation and immune status. Its prognostic relevance in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains poorly understood. To evaluate the prognostic significance of preprocedural SII in patients undergoing TAVI. This retrospective cohort study included 1822 patients undergoing TAVI for severe aortic stenosis between 2014 and 2023 at two TAVI centers in Germany. Patients were divided into derivation and validation cohorts. Preprocedural SII was calculated from differential blood counts. In the derivation cohort, patients were stratified into tertiles based on preprocedural SII. Using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis an optimized cut-off value for the validation cohort was identified to stratify patients into high- and low-risk groups. A generalized linear model (GLM) was used to identify clinical predictors of SII. In the derivation cohort, multivariate analysis showed that SII was independently associated with both major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (hazard ration [HR]: 1.0001 [1.00001; 1.00002], p = 0.020) and stroke (HR: 1.0003 [1.00002; 1.00004], p < 0.001). In the GLM, SII positively correlated with age (p = 0.013) and C-reactive protein (p < 0.001), and inversely with mean aortic gradient (p = 0.022) and hemoglobin (p = 0.011). In the external validation cohort, high risk patients (cut-off > 1204) showed an increased risk for one-year all-cause mortality (HR: 2.19 [1.59; 3.02], p < 0.001). Higher preprocedural SII was independently associated with increase rates of MACE and stroke at one-year following TAVI. A SII cut-off of 1204 effectively stratifies patients into high- and low-risk groups and may provide additional value for preprocedural risk stratification.

BACKGROUND:Transcatheter heart valve (THV) deformation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) using the self-expanding ACURATE platform has been associated with impaired clinical outcomes in a randomised trial. Procedural factors associated with THV deformation remain incompletely understood. AIMS:We aimed to investigate procedural factors associated with valve underexpansion, mainly derived from preprocedural computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging. METHODS:A single-centre, retrospective, observational study was carried out, including patients who underwent TAVI with an ACURATE THV between January 2014 and December 2022, with available CTA and procedural fluoroscopy. Aortic calcium volume was quantified using 3mensio software. Fluoroscopy was used to determine valve frame underexpansion. RESULTS:Of 3,027 patients, 480 were eligible (74 [15.4%] with an underexpanded and 406 [84.6%] with an expanded ACURATE THV). There were no differences regarding baseline clinical and procedural characteristics. Preprocedural CTA assessment showed more calcium at the annulus level in underexpanded versus expanded THVs (60.3 [interquartile range [IQR] 21.3; 135.2] mm3 vs 45.3 [IQR 15.8; 96.1] mm3, respectively; p=0.042), while post-dilatation was less frequently performed in underexpanded compared to expanded THVs (44.6% vs 64.8%, respectively; p=0.001). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that annulus calcium volume (odds ratio [OR] 2.333, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.331-4.089; p=0.003) and post-dilatation (OR 0.350, 95% CI: 0.203-0.602; p<0.001) were significantly associated with underexpanded THVs. Sensitivity analysis using annulus calcium volume as a dichotomised variable (>54 mm3) confirmed the significant association with valve frame underexpansion (OR 2.38, 95% CI: 1.37-4.19; p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS:Annular calcium volume was shown to be associated with underexpanded ACURATE THVs, while post-dilatation may reduce valve deformation.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) function has a well-established prognostic role in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) and is typically assessed using echocardiography-measured tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. Recently, a deep learning model has been proposed that accurately predicts RV ejection fraction (RVEF) from 2-dimensional echocardiographic videos, with similar diagnostic accuracy as 3-dimensional imaging. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the deep learning–predicted RVEF values in patients with severe MR undergoing TEER. METHODS: This multicenter registry study analyzed the associations between the predicted RVEF values and 1-year mortality in patients with severe MR undergoing TEER. To predict RVEF, 2-dimensional apical 4-chamber view videos from preprocedural transthoracic echocardiographic studies were exported and processed by a rigorously validated deep learning model. RESULTS: Good-quality 2-dimensional apical 4-chamber view videos could be retrieved for 1154 patients undergoing TEER between 2017 and 2023. Survival at 1 year after TEER was 84.7%. The predicted RVEF values ranged from 26.6% to 64.0% and correlated only modestly with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (Pearson R =0.33; P <0.001). Importantly, predicted RVEF was superior to tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion levels in predicting 1-year mortality after TEER (area under the curve, 0.687 versus 0.625; P =0.029). Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with reduced RV function (n=723; defined as a predicted RVEF of <45%) had significantly worse 1-year survival rates than patients with preserved RV function (n=431; defined as a predicted RVEF of ≥45%; 80.3% [95% CI, 77.4%–83.3%] versus 92.1% [95% CI, 89.5%–94.7%]; hazard ratio for 1-year mortality, 2.67 [95% CI, 1.82–3.90]; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Deep learning–enabled assessment of RV function using standard 2-dimensional echocardiographic videos can refine the prognostication of patients with severe MR undergoing TEER. Thus, it can be used to screen for patients with RV dysfunction who might benefit from intensified follow-up care.

AIMS:Long-standing severe mitral regurgitation (MR) leads to left atrial (LA) enlargement, elevated pulmonary artery pressures, and ultimately right heart failure. While mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) alleviates left-sided volume overload, its impact on right ventricular (RV) recovery is unclear. This study aims to use both conventional echocardiography and artificial intelligence to assess the recovery of RV function in patients undergoing M-TEER for severe MR. METHODS AND RESULTS:The change in RV function from baseline to 3-month follow-up was analysed in a dual-centre registry of patients undergoing M-TEER for severe MR. RV function was conventionally assessed by measuring the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). Additionally, RV function was evaluated using a deep learning model that predicts RV ejection fraction (RVEF) based on two-dimensional apical four-chamber view echocardiographic videos. Among the 851 patients who underwent M-TEER, the 1-year survival rate was 86.8%. M-TEER resulted in a significant reduction in both LA volume and estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) levels (median LA volume: from 123 ml [interquartile range, IQR 92-169 ml] to 104 ml [IQR 78-142 ml], p < 0.001; median sPAP: from 46 mmHg [IQR 35-58 mmHg] to 41 mmHg [IQR 32-54 mmHg], p = 0.036). In contrast, TAPSE remained unchanged (median: from 17 mm [IQR 14-21 mm] to 18 mm [IQR 15-21 mm], p = 0.603). The deep learning model confirmed this finding, showing no significant change in predicted RVEF after M-TEER (median: from 43.1% [IQR 39.1-47.4%] to 43.2% [IQR 39.2-47.2%], p = 0.475). CONCLUSIONS:While M-TEER improves left-sided haemodynamics, it does not lead to significant RV function recovery, as confirmed by both conventional echocardiography and artificial intelligence. This finding underscores the importance of treating patients before irreversible right heart damage occurs.

Background and aims Vascular complications occur in a non-negligible proportion of transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (Tf-TAVI) procedures. There is only limited evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of covered balloon-expandable (CBE) stents in the management of Tf-TAVI related vascular complications. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of CBE stent implantation to treat access-related vascular complications in patients undergoing Tf-TAVI. Methods The present retrospective analysis included patients undergoing CBE stent implantation following Tf-TAVI from April 2012 to January 2023 at our centre. The primary endpoint was technical success defined as successful device delivery and implantation at the intended location with angiographic confirmation of vessel patency and absence of residual bleeding. Clinical outcomes and color Doppler ultrasonography findings were evaluated at discharge, 30 days and longest available follow-up. Results Among 3331 Tf-TAVI procedures, 93 patients (2.8%) required covered stent implantation for the treatment of access related vascular complications. Technical success was achieved in 92 patients (98.9%). BeGraft and Atrium Advanta V12 CBE stents were implanted in 76 (81.7%) and 17 (18.3%) patients, respectively. Median clinical follow-up was 455 [304; 798] days, with both in-hospital and 30-days mortality equaling 4.3% and 1-year mortality 15.1%. Pre-discharge Doppler ultrasonography was performed in 98.9% patients, with normal findings in 79.8% and minor findings (such as pseudoaneurysm, non-flow-limiting dissection, arterio-venous fistula) in the remaining patients. Clinical follow-up was available in 96.2% patients; no cases of new-onset claudication, need for repeat surgical or transcatheter vascular interventions were recorded. Follow-up Doppler ultrasonography (54.4% patients) showed persistent patency and no signs of stent failure in all patients. Conclusions CBE stent implantation for the treatment of access site related vascular complications after Tf-TAVI is associated with excellent technical success rates, optimal short- to mid-term patency rates as well as satisfactory long-term clinical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:It is unknown whether aortic valve calcium volume, as measured by contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (angio-CT), is associated with mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to confirm that contrast-enhanced aortic valve calcium correlates with noncontrast-enhanced calcium score and provides useful prognostic information in patients undergoing TAVI. METHODS:This retrospective observational study included patients from 2 high-volume TAVI centers in Germany, all of whom underwent high-quality angio-CT prior to TAVI. Calcium volume in contrast-enhanced angio-CT was calculated using 3Mensio software (Pie Medical, The Netherlands), while the calcium score from noncontrast-enhanced angio-CT was obtained using the Syngo.via (Siemens Healthineers, Germany) workstation to validate contrast-enhanced angio-CT values. Calcium volume was dichotomized using the median based on to sex-specific values from contrast-enhanced angio-CT, and the risk associated with increased calcium volume was determined using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. RESULTS:We included 3318 TAVI patients. A good correlation was observed between noncontrast-enhanced and contrast-enhanced angio-CT (r2=0.680; P<.001). The median values for sex-specific contrast-enhanced angio-CT calcium volume were 514 mm3 for women and 1025 mm3 for men. Patients with higher calcium volumes showed lower mortality at 1 year (8.8% vs 12.1%; adjusted HR, 0.86; 95%CI, 0.75-0.98; P=.02) compared with those with lower calcium volumes. CONCLUSIONS:Calcium volume in contrast-enhanced angio-CT correlated well with noncontrast-enhanced angio-CT calcium score. Patients with higher calcium volume showed lower mortality at 1 year after TAVI.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:Vascular complications occur in a non-negligible proportion of transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (Tf-TAVI) procedures. There is only limited evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of covered balloon-expandable (CBE) stents in the management of Tf-TAVI related vascular complications. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of CBE stent implantation to treat access-related vascular complications in patients undergoing Tf-TAVI. METHODS:The present retrospective analysis included patients undergoing CBE stent implantation following Tf-TAVI from April 2012 to January 2023 at our centre. The primary endpoint was technical success defined as successful device delivery and implantation at the intended location with angiographic confirmation of vessel patency and absence of residual bleeding. Clinical outcomes and color Doppler ultrasonography findings were evaluated at discharge, 30 days and longest available follow-up. RESULTS:Among 3331 Tf-TAVI procedures, 93 patients (2.8%) required covered stent implantation for the treatment of access related vascular complications. Technical success was achieved in 92 patients (98.9%). BeGraft and Atrium Advanta V12 CBE stents were implanted in 76 (81.7%) and 17 (18.3%) patients, respectively. Median clinical follow-up was 455 [304; 798] days, with both in-hospital and 30-days mortality equaling 4.3% and 1-year mortality 15.1%. Pre-discharge Doppler ultrasonography was performed in 98.9% patients, with normal findings in 79.8% and minor findings (such as pseudoaneurysm, non-flow-limiting dissection, arterio-venous fistula) in the remaining patients. Clinical follow-up was available in 96.2% patients; no cases of new-onset claudication, need for repeat surgical or transcatheter vascular interventions were recorded. Follow-up Doppler ultrasonography (54.4% patients) showed persistent patency and no signs of stent failure in all patients. CONCLUSIONS:CBE stent implantation for the treatment of access site related vascular complications after Tf-TAVI is associated with excellent technical success rates, optimal short- to mid-term patency rates as well as satisfactory long-term clinical outcomes.

Background and Aims Data from randomized trials investigating different access closure strategies after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TF-TAVI) remain scarce. In this study, two vascular closure device (VCD) strategies to achieve haemostasis after TF-TAVI were compared. Methods The ACCESS-TAVI (Comparison of Strategies for Vascular ACCESS Closure after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is a prospective, multicentre trial in which patients undergoing TF-TAVI were randomly assigned to a strategy with a combined suture-/plug-based VCD strategy (suture/plug group) using one ProGlideTM/ProStyleTM (Abbott Vascular) and one Angio-Seal (R) (Terumo) vs. a suture-based VCD strategy (suture-only group) using two ProGlidesTM/ProStylesTM. The primary endpoint was a composite of major or minor access site-related vascular complications during index hospitalization according to Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 criteria. Key secondary endpoints included time to haemostasis, bleeding type >= 2, and all-cause mortality over 30 days. Results Between September 2022 and April 2024, 454 patients were randomized. The primary endpoint occurred in 27% (62/230) in the suture/plug group and 54% (121/224) in the suture-only group [relative risk .55 (95% confidence interval: .44, .68); P < .001]. Time to haemostasis was significantly shorter in the suture/plug group compared with the suture-only group (108 +/- 208 s vs. 206 +/- 171 s; P < .001). At 30 days, bleeding type >= 2 occurred less often in the suture/plug group compared with the suture-only group [6.2% vs. 12.1%, relative risk .66 (.43, 1.02); P = .032], with no significant difference in mortality. Conclusions With regard to the composite of major or minor access site-related vascular complications, a combined suture-/plug-based VCD strategy was superior to a suture-based VCD strategy for vascular access closure in patients undergoing TF-TAVI.

Background: Right ventricular (RV) function has a well-established prognostic role in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) and is typically assessed using echocardiography-measured tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). Recently, a deep learning model has been proposed that accurately predicts RV ejection fraction (RVEF) from 2D echocardiographic videos, with similar diagnostic accuracy as 3D imaging. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic utility of the deep learning-predicted RVEF values in patients with severe MR undergoing TEER. Methods: This multicenter registry study analyzed the associations between the predicted RVEF values and 1-year mortality in patients with severe MR undergoing TEER. To predict RVEF, 2D apical four-chamber view videos from preprocedural transthoracic echocardiographic studies were exported and processed by a rigorously validated deep learning model. Results: From 1,366 patients undergoing TEER between 2017 and 2023, good-quality 2D apical four-chamber view videos could be retrieved for 1,154 patients (84.5%). Survival at one year after TEER was 84.7%. The predicted RVEF values ranged from 26.6% to 64.0% and correlated only modestly with TAPSE (Pearson correlation coefficient R: 0.33; p -value: <0.001). Importantly, predicted RVEF levels were superior to TAPSE levels in predicting 1-year mortality after TEER (area under the curve: 0.687 vs. 0.625; p -value: 0.029). Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with preserved RV function (defined as a predicted RVEF of ≥45%) had significantly better 1-year survival rates than patients with reduced RV function (92.1% [95% CI: 89.5-94.7%] vs. 80.3% [95% CI: 77.4-83.3%], respectively, hazard ratio for 1-year mortality: 2.67, p -value: <0.001). Conclusion: Deep learning-enabled assessment of RV function using standard 2D echocardiographic videos can refine the prognostication of patients with severe MR undergoing TEER. Thus, it can be used to screen for patients with RV dysfunction who might benefit from intensified follow-up care.

AIMS:We aimed to evaluate transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) using predominantly balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valves (THV) in patients with a landing zone for a percutaneously delivered prosthesis. BACKGROUND:Patients with a degenerated mitral valve bioprosthesis, annuloplasty ring, and mitral annulus calcification (MAC) considered at high surgical risk currently represent a treatment challenge. TMVI is an alternative treatment option. METHODS:Retrospective analysis of patients with symptomatic degenerated mitral valve bioprosthesis, or annuloplasty ring, and MAC treated with TMVI between November 2011 and April 2021. Endpoints were defined according to Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium (MVARC) criteria and included device and procedure success at 30 days as well as mortality at 30 days and 1 year after the procedure. RESULTS:A total of 77 patients underwent TMVI (valve in valve [ViV = 56], valve in ring [ViR = 11], and valve in MAC [ViMAC = 10]). There was a trend toward higher technical success (all = 93.5%, ViV = 96.4%, ViR = 90.9%, ViMAC = 80%, p = 0.06) and lower 30-day (all = 11.7%, ViV = 10.7%, ViR = 9.1%, ViMAC = 20%, p = 0.49) and 1-year mortality (all = 26%, ViV = 23.2%, ViR = 27.3%, ViMAC= 40%, p = 0.36) after ViV and ViR compared to ViMAC. CONCLUSION:TMVI represents a reasonable treatment option in selected patients with MAC or who are poor candidates for redo mitral valve surgery. Technical success and survival up to 1 year were not significantly dependent on the subgroup in which TMVI was performed.

Aims. The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing during the past decades. While previous research has focused on the early outcome after cardiac surgery or specific complications, the current study covers the whole burden of obesity in the field of cardiac surgery over short term and long term. Endpoints of the study were all-cause mortality, perioperative outcome, and wound-healing disorders (WHDs). Methods. 14.754 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery over a 14 years’ time period were analyzed. BMI classifications were used according to the WHO definition. Results. Mean survival was 11.95 years ± 0.1; CI 95% [12.04–12.14]. After adjustment for clinical baseline characteristics, obesity classes’ I–III (obesity) did not affect 30-day mortality or all-cause mortality during the whole observational period. After adjustment for known risk factors, the risk for WHDs doubled at least in obesity patients as follows: obesity I (OR = 2.06; CI 95% [1.7–2.5]; p<0.0001), obesity II (OR = 2.5; CI 95% [1.83–3.41]; p<0.0001), and obesity III (OR = 4.12; CI 95% [2.52–6.74]; p<0.0001). The same applies to the risk for sternal reconstruction that is substantially elevated in obesity I (OR = 2.23; CI 95% [1.75–2.83]; p<0.0001), obesity II (OR = 2.81; CI 95% [1.91–4.13]; p<0.0001), and obesity III (OR = 2.31; CI 95% [1.08–4.97]; p=0.03). No significant correlation could be found between obesity and major adverse events in the perioperative course like renal failure, ventilation >24 h, re-exploration, or cerebrovascular events. Conclusions. Cardiac surgery is safe in obesity as short- and long-term mortality are not increased, and major adverse events during the perioperative course are similar to control patients. The burden of obesity lies in substantially increased rates of wound-healing disorders and sternal reconstructions.

Introducción y objetivos: Se desconoce si el volumen de calcio de la válvula aórtica en la angiografía por tomografía computarizada (angio-TC) con contraste se asocia con la mortalidad en pacientes sometidos a implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica (TAVI). Nos propusimos confirmar en la población de estudio que el calcio de la válvula aórtica realzado con contraste se correlaciona con la puntuación de calcio no realzada con contraste y provee información pronóstica útil en pacientes sometidos a TAVI.Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo que incluyó a pacientes de 2 centros de alto volumen de TAVI en Alemania con angio-TC de alta calidad antes del TAVI. El volumen de calcio en la angio-TC con contraste se calculó con el software 3Mensio (Pie Medical, Países Bajos), y se validaron los valores de calcio de la angio-TC sin contraste mediante la plataforma Syngo.via (Siemens Healthineers, Alemania). El volumen de calcio se dicotomizó utilizando la mediana de los valores específicos de cada sexo obtenidos mediante angio-TC con contraste, y el riesgo asociado con un mayor volumen de calcio se determinó mediante un análisis de regresión de riesgos proporcionales de Cox.Resultados: Se incluyó a 3.318 pacientes. Se observó una buena correlación entre angio-TC sin contraste y con contraste (r2 = 0,680; p < 0,001). Las medianas de volumen de calcio en la angio-TC con contraste por sexos fueron de 514 μl (mujeres) y 1.025 μl (varones). Los pacientes con mayor volumen de calcio mostraron menos mortalidad a 1 año (el 8,8 frente al 12,1%; HR ajustada = 0,86; IC95%, 0,75-0,98; p = 0,02) que aquellos con menos volumen de calcio.Conclusiones: El volumen de calcio en la angio-TC con contraste se correlaciona bien con el valor de calcio en la angio-TC sin contraste. Los pacientes con mayor volumen de calcio mostraron menos mortalidad 1 año después del TAVI.

Key points Post‐TAVR, there is a significant increase in pro‐coagulatory parameters in conjunction with a decrease in platelet counts. Finding the right balance between thrombosis and bleeding after the procedure is essential, and the results presented here will add knowledge to this topic The effect of protamine in different dosages on the postoperative course of thrombin generation and coagulation needs more data

Introduction and objectives: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has become the gold standard to measure the size of the aortic annulus and better select the size of transcatheter heart valves (THV) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, in selected cases, CCTA may not be feasible. Angiographic aortic annulus (AAA) measurements during TAVI may be an alternative and should be evaluated for precision regarding the proper selection of THV sizes. We sought to investigate the correlation between AAA and CCTA measurements for the proper selection of balloon-expandable valve (BEV) sizes in patients undergoing TAVI. Methods: Patients undergoing TAVI with BEV and high-quality CCTA were included. AAA measurements were obtained in the standard 3-cusp view after aortic root aortography. Angiographic distance between non-and left coronary cusps were compared to CCTA annulus measurements. Endpoints were diagnostic tests and correlations between angiographic and CCTA measurements, and the composite endpoint of the VARC-3-defined efficacy (technical success, correct position, and intended performance), and safety profile (multiple valves, valve embolization, pacemaker implantation, and more than moderate valvular regurgitation). Results: Regarding the Sapien family of THV, aortography-based distance measurements showed a correlation of 0.528 (P < .01), 0.451 (P < .01), and 0.579 (P < .01) for 23 mm, 26 mm, and 29 mm valves with CCTA-based distance measurements. No difference was seen regarding the VARC-3-defined efficacy (94.2% vs 96.0%; P = .60) and safety profile (90.9% vs 91.9%; P = .84) among cases showing discordant and concordant pairs of measurements. Conclusions: AAA measurement showed a moderate diagnostic test and Spearman's correlation coefficient compared to CCTA-based annulus assessment for perioperative THV size selection. This strategy could potentially enable TAVI in patients in whom access to preoperative CCTA is not available.

BACKGROUND:Data on systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are scarce and limited to small cohorts. We aimed to investigate its incidence and mid-term impact in a large cohort of TAVI patients. METHODS:From January 2018 to December 2020, 717 patients with severe aortic valve stenosis undergoing TAVI were included. SIRS was defined as fulfilling at least two of the following criteria within 48 h from the procedure: leucocyte count >12.0 or <4.0 × 109/l, respiratory rate > 20 breaths per minute or PaCO2 ≤ 4.3 kPa/32 mmHg, heart rate > 90 beats per minute and temperature > 38.0 °C or <36.0 °C. Clinical endpoints were 1-year rehospitalization for chronic heart failure (CHF) and 2-years all-cause mortality. Event rates during follow-up were calculated as Kaplan-Meier estimates. RESULTS:SIRS developed in 56.3 % (404/717) of patients after TAVI. SIRS occurred more frequently in patients with post-dilatation (SIRS 34.7 % (140/404) vs. no SIRS 23.3 % (73/313); p < 0.001) and major vascular complications (SIRS 16.1 % (65/404) vs. no SIRS 8.6 % (27/313); p = 0.004). Further, ICU days were more in patients who developed SIRS (SIRS 1.56 ± 1.50 days vs. no SIRS 1.22 ± 1.02 days; p = 0.001). At 2-years, all-cause mortality in the entire population was 23.9 %. However, there was no difference in CHF at 1-year (5.9 % vs. 4.1 %; log-rank = 0.347) nor in all-cause mortality at 2-years (22.0 % vs. 26.2 %; log-rank = 0.690) between the groups. CONCLUSIONS:SIRS is a common finding after TAVI, which may prolong hospital stay but is without effect on mortality during 2-years follow-up.