Heart : official journal of the British Cardiac Society
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Diminished cardiac high-energy phosphate metabolism (phosphocreatine-to-ATP (PCr:ATP) ratio) and cardiac power with age may play an important roles in development of cardiac dysfunction and heart failure. The study defines the impact of age on PCr:ATP ratio and cardiac power and their relationship. ⋯ High-energy phosphate metabolism and peak power of the heart decline with age. Significant positive relationship between PCr:ATP ratio, early-to-late diastolic filling ratio and peak cardiac power output suggests that cardiac high-energy phosphate metabolism may be an important determinant of cardiac function and performance.
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Comparative Study
Right ventricular outflow tract stent versus BT shunt palliation in Tetralogy of Fallot.
This study sets out to compare morbidity, mortality and reintervention rates after stenting of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) versus modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (mBTS) for palliation in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF)-type lesions. ⋯ RVOT stenting in Fallot-type lesions can be accomplished safely, with lower PICU admission rate, a shorter hospital length of stay and shorter duration of palliation until complete repair compared with mBTS palliation.
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Multicenter Study
Five-year follow-up after transcatheter aortic valve implantation for symptomatic aortic stenosis.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been implemented into the care of elderly patients suffering from severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. However, data on long-term follow-up are sparse and predictors of long-term mortality need to be evaluated to better select patients. Therefore, we aimed to analyse predictors of 5-year mortality after TAVI. ⋯ These data from the early TAVI experience show a 5-year mortality of 59.1%. Some of the predictors of 5-year mortality seem to be modifiable, such as residual aortic regurgitation, type of TAVI access route and concomitant mitral regurgitation.
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Although clinically significant valve thrombosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is rare, the incidence of subclinical leaflet thrombosis has been reported to be up to about 10%-15%. It is mostly found 1-3 months after procedure in any type of transcatheter heart valve. Leaflet thrombosis is detected by high-resolution CT in the form of limited valve opening/closure and hypoattenuated leaflet thickening. ⋯ A vitamin K antagonist is also helpful to resolve leaflet thrombosis. Several studies are ongoing to determine the effect of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in preventing major cardiovascular events. They will also provide useful information on whether NOACs prevent leaflet thrombosis.