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Journal of Atrial Fibrillation 2019Endocardial LAAO has been increasingly utilized in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who are not suitable for long term oral anticoagulation. While overall procedural...
Endocardial LAAO has been increasingly utilized in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who are not suitable for long term oral anticoagulation. While overall procedural complications have decreased, rare complications like contiguous vessel and valve injury may be more frequently seen in the future with increase in the procedure volume. We performed a systematic search using predefined terms which reviewed all cases published in literature of contiguous vessel (pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein and left circumflex artery) and mitral valve injury caused by LAAO devices. Our results showed that Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP) and Amplatzer Amulet devices were the most commonly used devices. Pulmonary artery perforation was the most commonly seen collateral vessel injury associated with LAAO. Close proximity of left atrial appendage to pulmonary artery was noted in all cases of pulmonary artery injury. Pulmonary artery injury commonly manifests as pericardial tamponade with hemodynamic collapse and is often fatal. Most common denominator of all the reviewed cases was the presence of an oversized LAAO device. In conclusion, collateral vessels and valve injury can be seen after LAAO mostly with double lobe devices such as ACP or Amulet. Increased awareness by the operators along with proper imaging and investigations could potentially mitigate such rare complications associated with LAAO.
PubMed: 32002118
DOI: 10.4022/jafib.2256 -
Journal of Cardiac Surgery Nov 2022Although concomitant pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is used more frequently than the Cox-Maze procedure, which is currently the gold standard treatment for atrial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Although concomitant pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is used more frequently than the Cox-Maze procedure, which is currently the gold standard treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), data on the comparative effectiveness of the two procedures after concomitant mitral valve (MV) surgery are still limited.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a systematic review to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing the mid-term mortality and recurrence of AF after concomitant Cox-Maze and PVI in patients with AF undergoing MV surgery based on 12-month follow-up.
METHODS
Medline, EMBASE databases, and the Cochrane Library were searched from 1987 up to March 2022 for studies comparing concomitant Cox-Maze and PVI. Additionally, a meta-analysis of RCTs was performed to compare the mid-term clinical outcomes between these two surgical ablation techniques.
RESULTS
Three RCTs and three observational studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this systematic review with 790 patients in total (532 concomitant Cox-Maze and 258 PVI during MV surgery). Most studies reported that the concomitant Cox-Maze procedure was associated with higher freedom from AF at 12-month follow-up than PVI. Regarding AF recurrence, estimates pooled across the three RCTs indicated large heterogeneity and high uncertainty. In the largest and highest quality RCT, 12-month AF recurrence was higher in the PVI arm (risk ratio = 1.58, 95% CI: 0.91-2.73). In two out of three higher-quality observational studies, 12-month AF recurrence was higher in PVI than in the Cox-Maze arm (estimated adjusted probabilities 11% vs. 8% and 35% vs. 17%, respectively). RCTs demonstrated comparable 12-month mortality between concomitant Cox-Maze and PVI, while observational studies demonstrated the survival benefit of Cox-Maze.
CONCLUSIONS
Concomitant Cox-Maze in AF patients undergoing MV surgery is associated with better mid-term freedom from AF when compared to PVI with comparable mid-term survival. Large observational studies suggest that there might be a mid-term survival benefit among patients after concomitant Cox-Maze. Further large RCTs with longer standardized follow-up are required to clarify the benefits of concomitant Cox-Maze in AF patients during MV surgery.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Humans; Maze Procedure; Mitral Valve; Pulmonary Veins; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36040710
DOI: 10.1111/jocs.16888 -
Current Problems in Cardiology Jan 2023Transcutaneous aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has transformed the management of aortic stenosis (AS) and is increasingly being used for patients with symptomatic,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Transcutaneous aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has transformed the management of aortic stenosis (AS) and is increasingly being used for patients with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis who are ineligible or at high risk for conventional cardiac surgery. PUBMED, Google Scholar, and SCOPUS databases were searched to identify studies reporting heart failure hospitalization after TAVI. Major factors evaluated for HF hospitalization were age, comorbidities such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation (AF), chronic pulmonary disease including COPD, chronic kidney disease, baseline LVEF before the procedure, NYHA symptom class, and society of thoracic surgeons (STS) score. Hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval were computed using random-effects models. A total of eight studies were included comprising 77,745 patients who underwent TAVI for severe aortic stenosis. The presence of diabetes mellitus (HR: 1.39, 95% CI [1.17, 1.66], chronic kidney disease (CKD) (HR: 1.39, 95% CI [1.31, 1.48], atrial fibrillation (HR: 1.69, 95% CI [1.42, 2.01], chronic pulmonary disease (HR: 1.33, 95% CI [1.12, 1.58], and a high STS score (HR: 1.07, 95% CI [1.03, 1.11] were positive predictors of 1-year HF hospitalization after TAVI. Patients with diabetes mellitus, AF, CKD, chronic pulmonary disease, and a high STS score are at an increased risk of heart failure hospitalization at 1-year of TAVI, whereas increasing age, hypertension, LVEF <50%, and NYHA class III/IV symptoms did not predict HF hospitalization. Careful follow-up after TAVI in high-risk patients, with closer surveillance for HF particularly, is key to preventing HF hospitalizations and death.
Topics: Humans; Aortic Valve; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement; Atrial Fibrillation; Patient Readmission; Risk Factors; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Heart Failure; Lung Diseases; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Hypertension; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36191693
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2022.101428 -
Journal of the American Heart... Dec 2021Background Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common finding in adults with congenital heart disease referred for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR). However, indications... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Background Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common finding in adults with congenital heart disease referred for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR). However, indications for combined valve surgery remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate early results of concomitant tricuspid valve intervention (TVI) at the time of PVR. Methods and Results Observational studies comparing TVI+PVR and isolated PVR were identified by a systematic search of published research. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed, comparing outcomes between the 2 groups. Six studies involving 749 patients (TVI+PVR, 278 patients; PVR, 471 patients) met the eligibility criteria. In the pooled analysis, both TVI+PVR and PVR reduced TR grade, pulmonary regurgitation grade, right ventricular end-diastolic volume, and right ventricular end-systolic volumes. TVI+PVR, but not PVR, was associated with a decrease in tricuspid valve annulus size (mean difference, -6.43 mm, 95% CI, -10.59 to -2.27; =0.010). Furthermore, TVI+PVR was associated with a larger reduction in TR grade compared with PVR (mean difference, -0.40; 95% CI, -0.75 to -0.05; =0.031). No evidence could be established for an effect of either treatment on right ventricular ejection fraction or echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular dilatation and dysfunction. There was no evidence for a difference in hospital mortality or reoperation for TR. Conclusions While both strategies are effective in reducing TR and right ventricular volumes, routine TVI+PVR can reduce TR grade to a larger extent than isolated PVR. Further studies are needed to identify the subgroups of patients who might benefit most from combined valve surgery.
Topics: Adult; Heart Defects, Congenital; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; Pulmonary Valve; Tricuspid Valve
PubMed: 34873914
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.121.022909 -
Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease 2019Pulmonary valve replacement is required for patients with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction. Surgical and percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement are...
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary valve replacement is required for patients with right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction. Surgical and percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement are the treatment options. Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) provides a less-invasive therapy for patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PPVI and the optimal time for implantation.
METHODS
We searched , and databases covering the period until May 2018. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the mean RVOT gradient; the secondary endpoints were the pulmonary regurgitation fraction, left and right ventricular end-diastolic and systolic volume indexes, and left ventricular ejection fraction. The safety endpoints were the complication rates.
RESULTS
A total of 20 studies with 1246 participants enrolled were conducted. The RVOT gradient decreased significantly [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -19.63 mmHg; 95% confidence interval (CI): -21.15, -18.11; < 0.001]. The right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVi) was improved (WMD = -17.59 ml/m²; 95% CI: -20.93, -14.24; < 0.001), but patients with a preoperative RVEDVi >140 ml/m² did not reach the normal size. Pulmonary regurgitation fraction (PRF) was notably decreased (WMD = -26.27%, 95% CI: -34.29, -18.25; < 0.001). The procedure success rate was 99% (95% CI: 98-99), with a stent fracture rate of 5% (95% CI: 4-6), the pooled infective endocarditis rate was 2% (95% CI: 1-4), and the incidence of reintervention was 5% (95% CI: 4-6).
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with RVOT dysfunction, PPVI can relieve right ventricular remodeling, improving hemodynamic and clinical outcomes.
PubMed: 31236202
DOI: 10.1177/2040622319857635 -
The Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery Jun 2018Life expectancy in young adults undergoing mechanical or bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (AVR) may be reduced by up to 20 years compared to age matched controls.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Life expectancy in young adults undergoing mechanical or bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (AVR) may be reduced by up to 20 years compared to age matched controls. The Ross procedure is a durable, anticoagulation-sparing alternative. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the valve hemodynamics of the Ross procedure versus other AVR.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
We searched Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to February 2017 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (n≥10 Ross). Independently and in duplicate, we performed title and abstract screening, full-text eligibility assessment, and data collection. We evaluated the risk of bias with the Cochrane and CLARITY tools, and the quality of evidence with the GRADE framework.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
We identified 2 RCTs and 13 observational studies that met eligibility criteria (N.=1412). In observational studies, the Ross procedure was associated with a lower mean aortic gradient at discharge (MD -9 mmHg, 95% CI: -13 to -5, P<0.0001, I2=97%) and latest follow-up (MD -5 mmHg, 95% CI: -7 to -3, P<0.0001, I2=92%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of severe aortic regurgitation at latest follow-up (RR 1.3, 95% CI: 0.3 to 5.8, P=0.70, I2=30%). In RCTs, the Ross procedure was associated with a lower mean gradient at latest follow-up (MD -15 mmHg, 95% CI: -32 to 2, P=0.08, I2=99%). The mean pulmonic gradient for the Ross procedure was 18.0 mmHg (95% CI: 16 to 20, P<0.0001) at latest follow-up. The evidence for all outcomes from observational studies was deemed to be of very low quality, while the evidence from RCTs was downgraded for imprecision and moderately serious risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to conventional AVR, the Ross procedure was associated with better aortic valve hemodynamics. Future studies should evaluate the impact of the Ross procedure on exercise capacity and quality of life.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Allografts; Aortic Valve; Autografts; Bioprosthesis; Female; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Hemodynamics; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Pulmonary Valve; Recovery of Function; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 29327563
DOI: 10.23736/S0021-9509.18.10255-2 -
Circulation Feb 2017Prenatal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is still challenging and affected by high rates of false-positive diagnoses. The aim of this study was to ascertain... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Prenatal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is still challenging and affected by high rates of false-positive diagnoses. The aim of this study was to ascertain the strength of association and to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of different ultrasound signs in predicting CoA prenatally.
METHODS
Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases were searched. Random-effects and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic model meta-analyses were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
Seven hundred ninety-four articles were identified, and 12 (922 fetuses at risk for CoA) articles were included. Mean mitral valve diameter score was lower (<0.001) and the mean tricuspid valve diameter score was higher in fetuses with CoA than in those without CoA (=0.01). Mean aortic valve diameter score was lower in fetuses with CoA than in healthy fetuses (≤0.001), but the ascending aorta diameter, expressed as score or millimeters, was similar between groups (=0.07 and 0.47, respectively). Mean aortic isthmus diameter scores measured either in sagittal (=0.02) or in 3-vessel trachea view (<0.001) were lower in fetuses with CoA. Conversely, the mean pulmonary artery diameter score, the right/left ventricular and pulmonary artery/ascending aorta diameter ratios were higher (<0.001, =0.02, and =0.02, respectively) in fetuses with CoA in comparison with controls, although aortic isthmus/arterial duct diameter ratio was lower in fetuses with CoA than in those without CoA (<0.001). The presence of coarctation shelf and aortic arch hypoplasia were more common in fetuses with CoA than in controls (odds ratio, 26.0; 95% confidence interval, 4.42-153; <0.001 and odds ratio, 38.2; 95% confidence interval, 3.01-486; =0.005), whereas persistent left superior vena cava (=0.85), ventricular septal defect (=0.12), and bicuspid aortic valve (=0.14) did not carry an increased risk for this anomaly. Multiparametric diagnostic models integrating different ultrasound signs for the detection of CoA were associated with an increased detection rate.
CONCLUSIONS
The detection rate of CoA may improve when a multiple-criteria prediction model is adopted. Further large multicenter studies sharing the same imaging protocols are needed to develop objective models for risk assessment in these fetuses.
Topics: Aorta; Aortic Coarctation; Databases, Factual; Female; Heart Ventricles; Humans; Pregnancy; Prenatal Diagnosis; Risk Factors; Ultrasonography, Prenatal
PubMed: 28034902
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.116.024068 -
Heart (British Cardiac Society) Apr 2020To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of maternal/fetal outcomes in pregnant women with moderate/severe native valvular heart disease (VHD) from medium/higher... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of maternal/fetal outcomes in pregnant women with moderate/severe native valvular heart disease (VHD) from medium/higher Human Development Index (HDI) countries.
METHODS
OvidSP platform databases were searched (1985-January 2019) to identify studies reporting pregnancy outcomes in women with moderate/severe VHD. The primary maternal outcome was maternal mortality. The primary fetal/neonatal outcome was stillbirth and neonatal death. Pooled incidences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of maternal/fetal outcomes could only be calculated from studies involving mitral stenosis (MS) or aortic stenosis (AS).
RESULTS
Twelve studies on 646 pregnancies were included. Pregnant women with severe MS had mortality rates of 3% (95% CI, 0% to 6%), pulmonary oedema 37% (23%-51%) and new/recurrent arrhythmias 16% (1%-25%). Their stillbirth, neonatal death and preterm birth rates were 4% (1%-7%), 2% (0%-4%), and 18% (7%-29%), respectively. Women with moderate MS had mortality rates of 1%(0%-2%), pulmonary oedema 18% (2%-33%), new/recurrent arrhythmias 5% (1%-9%), stillbirth 2% (1%-4%) and preterm birth 10%(2%-17%).Pregnant women with severe AS had a risk of mortality of 2% (0%-5%), pulmonary oedema 9% (2%-15%), and new/recurrent arrhythmias 4% (0%-7%). Their stillbirth, neonatal death and preterm birth rates were 2% (0%-5%), 3% (0%-6%) and 14%(4%-24%), respectively. No maternal/neonatal deaths were reported in moderate AS, however women experienced pulmonary oedema (8%; 0%-20%), new/recurrent arrhythmias (2%; 0%-5%), and preterm birth (13%; 6%-20%).
CONCLUSIONS
Women with moderate/severe MS and AS are at risk for adverse maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes. They should receive preconception counseling and pregnancy care by teams with pregnancy and heart disease experience.
Topics: Female; Heart Valve Diseases; Humans; Perinatal Death; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; Pregnancy Outcome; Severity of Illness Index; Stillbirth
PubMed: 32054673
DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2019-315859 -
Heart, Lung & Circulation May 2022Pulmonary hypertension (PH), right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are commonly present in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Prognostic Value of Pulmonary Hypertension, Right Ventricular Function and Tricuspid Regurgitation on Mortality After Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary hypertension (PH), right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are commonly present in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) and known to impair prognosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prognostic value of PH, RV function, and TR on mortality after transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR).
METHODS
A systematic search was performed to identify studies investigating PH, RV function, or TR in patients who underwent TMVR. Studies were included for pooled analysis if hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause mortality were given.
RESULTS
A total of 8,672 patients from 21 selected studies were included (PH, 11 studies; RV function, nine studies; TR, 10 studies). Mean follow-up was 2.7±1.6 years. The HRs and 95% CIs for all-cause mortality of PH (dichotomised: HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.00-2.87; per 10 mmHg increase in systolic PAP: HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07-1.29), RV function (dichotomised: HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.45-2.38; per 5 mm decrease in TAPSE: HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.97-1.43) and TR (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.28-1.79) indicated a significant association.
CONCLUSION
Prognosis after TMVR is worse in patients with significant MR when concomitant PH, RV dysfunction, or TR are present. Careful assessment of these parameters should therefore precede clinical decision-making for TMVR. The current results encourage investigation into whether (1) intervention at an earlier stage of MR reduces incidence of PH, RV dysfunction, and TR; and (2) transcatheter treatment of concomitant TR can improve clinical outcome and prognosis for these patients.
Topics: Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Mitral Valve; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Prognosis; Treatment Outcome; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right; Ventricular Function, Right
PubMed: 35058141
DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2021.11.017 -
The Science of the Total Environment Apr 2021Congenital malformations are considered as one of the significant causes of preterm as well as neonatal morbidity and mortality. Literature suggests the association of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Congenital malformations are considered as one of the significant causes of preterm as well as neonatal morbidity and mortality. Literature suggests the association of diverse congenital deformities with maternal exposure to air pollutants. However, the evidence is still inconclusive on the manifestation of these during pregnancy. Thus, systematic review was done on the available epidemiological studies studying the effect of air pollutants on congenital malformations. Furthermore, the meta-analysis was conducted for several combinations of air pollutants and congenital defects.
METHODS
Twenty six epidemiological studies were extracted from the databases and examined for association of risk of congenital defects with air pollutant concentrations. Metaanalysis was done if the risk estimates of the same anomaly and pollutant group were reported in at least three studies.
RESULTS
Each study reported a statistically significant increased risk of congenital malformation with some air pollutant, amid the several tested combinations. Our meta-analysis reported that nitrogen dioxide and PM were associated with the risk of pulmonary valve stenosis with OR = 1.74 and OR = 1.42 respectively. The risk of developing tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) was observed to be associated with PM with OR = 1.52 SO exposure was related to a high risk of the ventricular septal defect (VSD) with OR = 1.15 and orofacial defects (OR = 1.27).
CONCLUSION
It is evidenced that ambient air pollutants have some effect on congenital malformations. Standard case definitions, improved methods of exposure, and better control of confounders will improve future research in this area.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Congenital Abnormalities; Databases, Factual; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Maternal Exposure; Nitrogen Dioxide; Particulate Matter; Pregnancy
PubMed: 33183823
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142772