Key PointsQuestionIs transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) noninferior to surgical aortic valve replacement (surgery) in patients aged 70 years or older with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis and moderately increased operative risk?FindingsIn this randomized clinical trial that included 913 patients at moderately increased operative risk due to age or comorbidity, all-cause mortality at 1 year was 4.6% with TAVI vs 6.6% with surgery, a difference that met the prespecified noninferiority margin of 5%.MeaningAmong patients aged 70 years or older with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis and moderately increased operative risk, treatment with TAVI was noninferior to surgery with respect to all-cause mortality at 1 year.

In this study 3D was superior not only for complete recognition of the mitral valve but also for the accurate localisation and identification of pathology.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in populations eligible for lung cancer screening. The aim of this study was to determine whether a brief CV risk assessment, delivered as part of a targeted community-based lung cancer screening programme, was effective in identifying individuals at high risk who might benefit from primary prevention. Methods: The Manchester Lung Screening Pilot consisted of annual low dose CT (LDCT) over 2 screening rounds, targeted at individuals in deprived areas at high risk of lung cancer (age 55-74 and 6year risk ≥1.51%, using PLCOM2012 risk model). All participants of the second screening round were eligible to take part in the study. Ten-year CV risk was estimated using QRISK2 in participants without CVD and compared to age (±5 years) and sex matched Health Survey for England (HSE) controls; high risk was defined as QRISK2 score ≥10%. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) was assessed on LDCT scans and compared to QRISK2 score. Results: Seventy-seven percent (n=920/1,194) of screening attendees were included in the analysis; mean age 65.6±5.4 and 50.4% female. QRISK2 and lung cancer risk (PLCOM2012) scores were correlated (r=0.26, p<0.001). Median QRISK2 score was 21.1% (IQR 14.9-29.6) in those without established CVD (77.6%, n=714/920), double that of HSE controls (10.3%, IQR 6.6-16.2; n=714) (p<0.001). QRISK2 score was significantly higher in those with CAC (p<0.001). Screening attendees were 10-fold more likely to be classified high risk (OR 10.2 [95% CI 7.3-14.0]). One third (33.7%, n=310/920) of all study participants were high risk but not receiving statin therapy for primary CVD prevention. Discussion: Opportunistic CVD risk assessment within a targeted lung cancer screening programme is feasible and is likely to identify a very large number of individuals suitable for primary prevention. Highlights • 93% participants at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (QRISK2 score ≥10%). • 1 in 3 of all screening attendees at high risk of CVD but not taking a statin. • Those screened had double the CVD risk than controls (21.1% vs. 10.3%, p<0.001). • And 10-times more likely to be high risk than controls (OR 10.2; 95% CI 7.3-14.0). • Lung cancer (PLCOM2012) and CVD risk (QRISK) scores correlated (r = 0.26, p<0.001).

The standardized TCD protocol is sensitive in the diagnosis of PFO and with the use of provocation maneuvers measures the functional importance of v-aCS more accurately than TEE.