Objective To compare the differences of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) between trans-apical and trans-femoral groups in the treatment of mitral regurgitation. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on the patients who underwent TEER surgery at Tianjin Chest Hospital from February 2023 to October 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: trans-apical approach group and trans-femoral approach group. Baseline conditions, perioperative and postoperative 6-month survival status, and echocardiographic follow-up indicators were collected and compared between the groups. The primary endpoint indicators were all-cause mortality and device success rate. Secondary endpoint indicators included catheterization duration, heart failure readmission rate, and incidence of moderate or greater mitral regurgitation. Results A total of 33 patients were included, with 16 in the trans-femoral approach group and 17 in the trans-apical approach group. The average age was (69.85±7.86） years, and 17 patients (51.5%) were male. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in demographic characteristics, STS scores, comorbidities (except for diabetes), and laboratory tests. The proportion of patients with preoperative heart function≥grade Ⅲ was higher in the trans-apical approach group (88.2% vs. 43.8%, P=0.007), and the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was smaller [(58.41±7.13）mm vs. (65.81±11.58) mm, P=0.033]. The catheterization operation time was shorter in the trans-apical approach group [40.00 (30.00, 61.00) min vs. 74.00 (56.25, 108.25) min, P=0.002]. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in all-cause mortality, device success rate, and heart failure readmission rate. Conclusion TEER surgeries via different approaches might have the same safety and efficacy. The trans-apical TEER surgery is simpler to operate, has a shorter learning curve, and is easier for beginners to master.
Objective To summarize the clinical experience and mid-term outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation valve-in-valve (TAVI-ViV) for failed surgical bioprostheses in the aortic position. Methods Patients who underwent TAVI-ViV procedures at Tianjin University Chest Hospital between January 2019 and January 2025 were consecutively enrolled. Baseline characteristics, procedural details, and postoperative hemodynamic performance were collected and analyzed. Early postoperative and follow-up valve hemodynamics were evaluated, and surgical experiences were summarized. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, and the secondary endpoint was severe prosthetic valve stenosis. Results A total of 45 patients were included, with a mean age of (68.38±7.72) years and an average interval between surgeries of (11.00±3.67) years. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score was 6.80% (4.29%, 8.21%). The procedural success rate was 97.78% (44/45), with one case aborted due to coronary obstruction. The mean implantation depth was (6.87±3.45) mm, the annular expansion rate ranged from 10% to 40%, and the stent crown compression rate varied from 0% to 42%. The median follow-up duration was 21 months, with 27 patients completing the 2-year follow-up. At 2 years postoperatively, the overall follow-up rate was 92.59% (25/27), and the echocardiographic follow-up rate was 66.67% (18/27). The all-cause mortality rate was 7.41% (2/27). The mean peak aortic valve velocity was 2.96±0.69 m/s, the mean transvalvular gradient was (21.83±10.98) mm Hg, and 3 patients exhibited velocities ≥4 m/s (indicating severe stenosis). The regression analysis showed that the implant depth deviation [β=0.41, SE=0.18, OR=1.51, 95%CI (1.06, 2.30), P=0.024］, the compression rate of the corona [β=2.48, OR=11.93, 95%CI (1.21, 122.40), P=0.034], and the enlargement rate of the annulus [β=1.96, OR=7.13, 95%CI (1.28, 35.50), P=0.026] were the independent predictors of high flow velocity after surgery. Conclusion The optimal implantation depth for TAVI-ViV using a self-expanding valve system is 4 to 5 mm. When the annular expansion rate approaches 10%, hemodynamic performance can be significantly improved. The degree of crown compression in the valve stent is strongly correlated with elevated postoperative transvalvular gradients.
