TPVLC with simultaneous deployment of multiple AVP III occluders is feasible with high device success rate and no significant periprocedural complications. The clinical benefits of reduction of HF symptoms and hemolysis are evident after 30 days and persist up to 1 year without recurrence of PVL.

Regression of left ventricular (LV) mass in severe aortic stenosis (AS) following aortic valve replacement (AVR) reduces the potential risk of sudden death and congestive heart failure associated with LV hypertrophy. We investigated whether abnormalities of resting LV deformation in severe AS can predict the lack of regression of LV mass following AVR. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) was performed in a total of 100 subjects including 60 consecutive patients with severe AS having normal LV ejection fraction (EF > 50 %) and 40 controls. STE was performed preoperatively and at 4 months following AVR, including longitudinal strain assessed from the apical 4-chamber and 2-chamber views and the circumferential and rotational mechanics measured from the apical short axis view. In comparison with controls, the patients with AS showed a significantly lower LV longitudinal (p < 0.001) and circumferential strain (p < 0.05) and higher apical rotation (p < 0.001). Following AVR, a significant improvement was seen in both strains (p < 0.001 for each respectively), however, apical rotation remained unchanged (p = 0.14). On multivariate analysis, baseline LV mass (odds ratio 1.02; p = 0.011), left atrial volume (odds ratio 0.81; p = 0.048) and circumferential strain (odds ratio 0.84; p = 0.02) independently predicted LV mass regression (>10 %) following AVR. In conclusion, STE can quantify the burden of myocardial dysfunction in patients with severe AS despite the presence of normal LV ejection fraction. Furthermore, resting abnormalities in circumferential strain at LV apex is related with a hemodynamic milieu associated with the lack of LV mass regression during short-term follow up after AVR.

IntroductionTranscatheter paravalvular leak closure (TPVLC) has become an established treatment option but is mostly performed with off-label use of different non-dedicated occluders. The first one specifically designed for TPVLC is the paravalvular leak device (PLD – Occlutech).AimWe present initial short-term results of a prospective registry intended to assess the safety and efficacy of TPVLC with PLD.Material and methodsWe screened patients with paravalvular leak (PVL) after surgical valve replacement (SVR). Heart failure symptoms and/or hemolytic anemia were indications for TPVLC. Patients were selected according to PVL anatomy by RT 3D TEE. Only those considered appropriate for closure with a single PLD were enrolled. The procedures were performed via transvascular or transapical access using type W (waist) PLDs only.ResultsThirty patients with 34 PVLs (18 aortic, 16 mitral) were included. We implanted 35 PLDs with a total device success rate of 94.3% (100% for aortic, 88.2% for mitral). The procedural success rate, encompassing device success without in-hospital complications, was 94.1% (100% for aortic, 93.8% for mitral). During the follow-up period we recorded an increase of hemoglobin concentration (3.9 to 4.1 g/dl), red blood count (11.6 to 12.2 M/mm3) and functional improvement by NYHA class.ConclusionsParavalvular leak device type W is a promising TPVLC device, but meticulous preselection of patients based on imaging of PVL anatomy is a prerequisite. A PLD should only be chosen for channels shorter than 5 mm. Size of the device should match the PVL cross-sectional area without any oversizing. Such an approach facilitates high device and procedural success rates.

IntroductionParavalvular leak (PVL) related to a surgical prosthetic valve may be associated with clinically significant hemolysis. The influence of transcatheter PVL closure (TPVLC) on hemolysis remains uncertain.Material and methodsThe prospective registry included patients undergoing TPVLC due to PVL-related heart failure and/or hemolysis. Procedural data, laboratory markers of hemolysis and heart failure status were recorded at baseline, discharge and at 1- and 6-month follow-up.ResultsOf 116 patients from all those qualified for TPVLC, 79 fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Hemolysis was significantly more frequent in patients with mitral location of PVL and with calcifications in its channel. After TPVLC prompt reduction of lactate dehydrogenase activity (617.0 (342.0–899.0) vs. 397 (310.0–480.5) IU/l, p < 0.05) and gradual resolution of anemia (hemoglobin (HGB) 11.7 (10.4–13.8) vs. 13.4 (12.9–13.8) g%, p < 0.05) over 6 months were noted. Effective closure of PVL (> 90% reduction of PVL cross-sectional area) resulted in a more prominent increase of red blood cell count and HGB than in patients with residual regurgitation. The TPVLC-related exacerbation of hemolysis was recorded in 14 patients. Its risk was aggravated by presence of significant hemolysis at baseline or residual flow either by a partially uncovered channel or across the occluder. Reduction of hemolysis after successful TPVLC was sustained in 6-month follow-up.ConclusionsRisk factors for PVL-related hemolysis were the presence of calcifications in the defect and mitral location of PVL. The TPVLC effectively reduced hemolysis if at least 90% reduction of PVL cross sectional area was achieved. The effect was sustained in 6-month follow-up. Incomplete closure of PVL may increase the magnitude of hemolysis after TPVLC, but it occurred rarely.