Clinical significance and correlation of microRNA-21 expression in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an increasingly common procedure for treating severe aortic stenosis. While cardiac biomarker elevation post-TAVR is common, its correlation with outcomes remains controversial. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases.

Effectiveness of the GPT-4o Model in Interpreting Electrocardiogram Images for Cardiac Diagnostics: Diagnostic Accuracy Study.

Background: Recent progress has demonstrated the potential of deep learning models in analyzing electrocardiogram (ECG) pathologies. However, this method is intricate, expensive to develop, and designed for specific purposes. Large language models show promise in medical image interpretation, and yet their effectiveness in ECG analysis remains understudied.

European Society of Cardiology quality indicators for the management of acute coronary syndromes: developed in collaboration with the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care and the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions of the ESC.

Aims: Closing the evidence-practice gap for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is central to improving quality of care. Under the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) framework, we aimed to develop updated quality indicators (QIs) for the evaluation of quality of care and outcomes for patients with ACS.

Methods And Results: A Working Group of experts including members of the ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines Task Force for ACS, Association for Acute Cardiovascular Care, and European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions followed the ESC methodology for QI development.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Small and Very Small Aortic Valve Annuli: A Propensity-Matched Analysis Between Self-Expanding Versus Balloon-Expandable Valves.

Background: The management of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) patients with a small aortic annulus (SAA) postures a substantial challenge, increasing the risk of patient- prosthesis mismatch (PPM) and overall mortality.

Aims: This study aimed to compare the hemodynamic and clinical outcomes of transcatheter balloon-expandable valve (BEV) versus transcatheter self-expandable valve (SEV) in SAA.

Methods: We conducted propensity score matching (PSM) of severe AS patients with SAA who underwent trans-femoral TAVR and enrolled to the Israeli TAVR registry between the years 2008 and 2023.

Enhancing Coronary Revascularization Decisions: The Promising Role of Large Language Models as a Decision-Support Tool for Multidisciplinary Heart Team.

Background: While clinical practice guidelines advocate for multidisciplinary heart team (MDHT) discussions in coronary revascularization, variability in implementation across health care settings remains a challenge. This variability could potentially be addressed by language learning models like ChatGPT, offering decision-making support in diverse health care environments. Our study aims to critically evaluate the concordance between recommendations made by MDHT and those generated by language learning models in coronary revascularization decision-making.

Temporal Trends in Patient Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of TAVR: Over a Decade of Practice.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is indicated for severe aortic stenosis patients with a prohibitive surgical risk. However, its use has been expanding in recent years to include intermediate- and low-risk patients. Thus, registry data describing changes in patient characteristics and outcomes are needed.

Conduction disorders following transcatheter aortic valve replacement using acurate Neo2 transcatheter heart valve: A propensity matched analysis.

Background: The ACURATE neo2 transcatheter aortic valve was developed to improve paravalvular leak (PVL) rates while maintaining low rates of conduction disturbances and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) seen with its predecessor. We aimed to compare conduction disturbances rates of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using ACURATE Neo2 with other commonly used valves.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of the Israeli TAVR registry between the years 2014-2023 was performed to compare conduction disturbances and PVL rates, and procedural outcomes, among patients treated with ACURATE neo2, Edwards Sapien 3 (S3), and Evolut PRO valves.

Echocardiography vs hemodynamic assessment of diastolic dysfunction.

Objectives: Ostial CTOs can be challenging to revascularize. We aim to describe the outcomes of ostial chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: We examined the clinical and angiographic characteristics and procedural outcomes of 8788 CTO PCIs performed at 35 US and non-US centers between 2012 and 2022.

Comparison of MANTA versus Perclose Prostyle large-bore vascular closure devices during transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Background: New vascular closure devices (VCD) are being introduced for achieving hemostasis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, no safety or efficacy data have been published compared to other contemporary VCD.

Aim: To compare the safety and efficacy of suture-based Perclose Prostyle as compared to plug-based MANTA device.

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion versus Novel Oral Anticoagulation for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation-One-Year Survival.

Unlabelled: Aim To compare the 1-year survival rate of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) following left atrial appendage occluder (LAAO) implantation vs. treatment with novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs).

Methods: We have conducted an indirect, retrospective comparison between LAAO and NOAC registries.

Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair in patients with acute decompensated heart failure due to severe mitral regurgitation.

Background: Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) has been established as a therapy for severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR) in stable patients, and it has recently emerged as a reasonable option for acutely ill patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TEER in hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and severe MR that was deemed to play a major role in their deterioration.

Methods: We included 31 patients who underwent emergent TEER for MR ≥ 3+ from 2012 to 2022 at Sheba Medical Center.

Virtual reality utilization for left atrial appendage occluder device size prediction.

Aim: To explore the feasibility and accuracy of virtual reality (VR) derived from cardiac computed angiography (CCTA) data to predict left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) device size.

Method: Retrospective data of patients who underwent LAAO according to clinical indication were reviewed; all patients underwent a pre-procedural CCTA. Measurements of the left atrial appendage (LAA) orifice diameters by CCTA, VR, and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) (acquired during the procedure) were compared to the implanted device size.

Evaluation of coronary disease among patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: propensity score matching analysis.

Background: Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is common among elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Current guidelines recommend performance of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of any > 70% proximal coronary lesions prior to TAVI.

Aims: To evaluate the outcomes of two diagnostic approaches for CCS clearance pre-TAVI and to determine the reduction in the need of invasive angiography (IA).

Radiation protection for healthcare professionals working in catheterisation laboratories during pregnancy: a statement of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), the ESC Regulatory Affairs Committee and Women as One.

The European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Regulatory Affairs Committee and Women as One support continuous review and improvement, not only in the practice of assuring patients a high quality of care but also in providing health professionals with support documents to help them in their career and enhance gender equity. Recent surveys have revealed that radiation exposure is commonly reported as the primary barrier for women pursuing a career in interventional cardiology or cardiac electrophysiology (EP). The fear of foetal exposure to radiation during pregnancy may lead to a prolonged interruption in their career.

Early Invasive Strategy and Outcome of Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease.

Background: Current guidelines suggest that an early invasive strategy should be considered for the treatment of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Although chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common among NSTEMI patients, these patients are under-represented in clinical trials, and data regarding their management are limited.

Objectives: The authors sought to evaluate the association between early invasive strategy and long-term survival among patients with NSTEMI and CKD.

Left atrial size predicts long-term outcome after balloon mitral valvuloplasty.

Background: The treatment of choice for severe rheumatic mitral stenosis is balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV). Numerous predictors of immediate and long-term procedural success have been described. The aims of this study were to describe our experience with BMV over the last decade and to evaluate predictors of long-term event-free survival.

Procedural and long-term outcome among patients undergoing expedited trans-catheter aortic valve replacement.

Objective: Patients with rapidly deteriorating clinical status due to severe aortic stenosis are often referred for expedited transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Data regarding the outcome of such interventions is limited. We aimed to evaluate the outcome of patients undergoing expedited TAVR.

Usefulness of Coronary Artery Calcium Score to Rule Out Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease Before Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Pretranscatheter aortic valve implantation (pre-TAVI) coronary evaluation using computed tomography coronary angiography (CTA) remains suboptimal. We aimed to evaluate whether coronary artery calcium score (CAC) may rule out obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) pre-TAVI. TAVI candidates (n = 230; mean age 80 ± 8 years), 49% men, underwent preprocedural CTA and invasive coronary angiography.

Outcomes of Redo Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement According to the Initial and Subsequent Valve Type.

Background: As transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) replacement is increasingly used in patients with longer life expectancy, a sizable proportion will require redo TAV replacement (TAVR). The unique configuration of balloon-expandable TAV (bTAV) vs a self-expanding TAV (sTAV) potentially affects TAV-in-TAV outcome.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to better inform prosthesis selection, TAV-in-TAV outcomes were assessed according to the type of initial and subsequent TAV.

Clinical Predictors for Procedural Stroke and Implications for Embolic Protection Devices during TAVR: Results from the Multicenter Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement In-Hospital Stroke (TASK) Study.

Background: Data to support the routine use of embolic protection devices for stroke prevention during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are controversial. Identifying patients at high risk for peri-procedural cerebrovascular events may facilitate effective patient selection for embolic protection devices during TAVR. Aim: To generate a risk score model for stratifying TAVR patients according to peri-procedural cerebrovascular events risk.