Valve-in-Valve and Valve-in-Ring Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation in Young Women Contemplating Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) is emerging as an alternative to surgical mitral valve replacement in selected high-risk patients. Delaying definitive mechanical mitral valve replacement and the constraints of anticoagulation thanks to TMVI may be an attractive option in young women contemplating pregnancy and suffering from failure of mitral bioprosthesis or annuloplasty. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility, safety, and outcomes of pregnancy after TMVI in this population. Methods: From 2013 to 2019, 12 young women contemplating pregnancy underwent transseptal valve-in-valve or valve-in-ring TMVI using the Edwards SAPIEN XT/3 valves and were prospectively followed up at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and yearly thereafter. Results: Mean age of the patients was 30±6 years. Bioprosthesis degeneration was observed in 7 cases and annuloplasty failure in 5. Three valve-in-ring patients required the implantation of a second valve, which led to an overall procedural success rate of 75%. One delayed left ventricular outflow tract obstruction required elective surgical mitral valve replacement. At 6 months/1 year, 83% of the patients were in New York Heart Association classes I/II. Mitral regurgitation was ≤2+ in all the cases and mean gradient was 7±2 mm Hg. Four patients could complete 6 full-term pregnancies. One symptomatic thrombosis occurred and resolved under aspirin and anticoagulation therapy. All others pregnancies were uneventful. Predelivery mean gradient was 11 mm Hg, and systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 32 mm Hg. There were 4 vaginal deliveries and 2 cesarians. Newborns were alive and healthy. At last follow-up, there was no death, and 3 patients required elective surgical mitral valve replacement at 6- to 54-month follow-up. Conclusions: Our study suggests that, in young women, transseptal TMVI to treat failing bioprostheses may result in good short-term outcomes that allow uneventful pregnancies. The results are less favorable in women with failed annuloplasty rings.

2021 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease: Developed by the Task Force for the management of valvular heart disease of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS)

“…In women considering pregnancy and requiring heart valve replacement, it is recommended to choose the prosthesis in consultation with a pregnancy Heart Team. 554,560 Pregnancy in women with a mechanical valve, especially in the mitral position, is associated with a high risk of maternal and foetal complications, 554,561 which should be carefully discussed with the patient and family.…”

Pregnancy After Cardiac Surgery

“…Fuchs et al [10] reported that their limited, preliminary data imply that transseptal transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) for failed bioprostheses or rings is possible and not related to early mortality, stroke, or any other serious consequence in young women considering pregnancy. In particular, after a valve-in-valve (ViV) TMVI, it may permit uncomplicated pregnancies and postpone the final mechanical mitral valve replacement.…”