MitraClip® is a valid tool with favorable outcomes in high-risk patients. The degree of residual MR seems to impact on follow-up composite endpoint outcome. An optimal correction of MR after MitraClip placement could be advocated to optimize the benefits of the procedure and minimize the risk of adverse outcomes.

BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been established as a treatment option for inoperable patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. However, patients suffer frequently from conduction disturbances after TAVI.MethodsBaseline, procedural as well as surface and intracardiac ECG parameters were evaluated for patients treated with TAVI and a comparison between patients requiring pacemaker with those not suffering from relevant conduction disorders were done.ResultsTAVI was successfully in all patients (n=45). Baseline surface and intracardiac ECG recording revealed longer PQ (197.1±51.2 msec versus 154.1±32.1 msec; p<0.001), longer AH (153.6±43.4 msec versus 116.1±31.2 msec; p<0.001) and HV interval (81.7±17.8 msec versus 56.8±8.5 msec; p<0.001) in patients with need for a pacemaker (n=23) versus control group (n=22); furthermore, 7-day follow-up analysis showed a higher prevalence of new left bundle branch block (LBBB) (87.0% versus 31.9%; p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that only new LBBB, QRS duration >120 msec and a PQ interval >200 msec immediately (within 60 minutes) after implantation of the aortic valve were predictors for high-grade (type II second-degree and third-degree) AV block. Other clinical parameters as well as baseline electrocardiographic parameters had no impact on critical conduction delay.ConclusionCardiac conduction disturbances are common after TAVI. The need for pacing after TAVI is predictable by surface ECG evaluation immediately (within 60 minutes) after the procedure.

LES is a good predictor of perioperative results, and follow-up adverse outcomes after MitraClip implantation are significantly influenced by the preoperative risk profile. The presence of residual MR immediately after MitraClip therapy can exacerbate the occurrence of MACCE.

Background The aim of the present study was to determine whether regular exercise training (ET) is effective at promoting the mobilization of CPCs and improving their functional activity in patients with recently acquired myocardial infarction(STEMI). Regular physical training has been shown to improve myocardial perfusion and cardiovascular function. This mayberelatedin part to a mobilization of bonemarrow-derived circulating progenitor cells (CPCs) as well as an enhanced vascularisation. Methods 37 patients with STEMI were randomly assigned to an ET group or a non-ET group(controls). Two weeks after STEMI, three weeks after regular ET and three months after ET, BNP levels, exercise echocardiography and exercise spiroergometry were evaluated. The number of CD34 + /CD45 + and CD133 + /CD45 + CPCs was measured by flow cytometry analysis. The migration capacity of the CPCs was determined with a boyden chamber and the clonogenic capacity by CFU-assay. Results In the ET-group the number and migration capacity of CPCs increased significantly after regular exercise training. The BNP level decreased significantly from 121 ± 94 to 75 ± 47 pg/ml (p < 0.001) after the ET period, the left ventricular rejection fraction raised in parallel at peak exercise, and the cardiorespiratory condition improved as demonstrated by an increase of VO 2 max (from 1641 ± 522 to 1842 ± 724 ml/min, p < 0.02). These three effects persist till three months after the ET period. Conclusions Regular physical activity appears to predispose the mobilization and enhanced functional activity of CPCs, a phenomenon which might lead to an improved cardiac function in patients with recently acquired acute myocardial infarction.

BackgroundNonagenarians are mostly denied from different therapeutic strategies due to high comorbidity index and risk-benefit calculation. We present the results of nonagenarians with high comorbidity index not eligible for conventional aortic valve surgery undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the CoreValve system.MethodsOur retrospective analysis include baseline parameters, procedural characteristics, morbidity, mortality as well as twelve-lead surface ECG and echocardiographic parameters which were revealed preinterventionally, at hospital discharge and at 30-day follow-up. Clinical follow-up was performed 6 months after TAVI.ResultsOut of 158 patients 11 nonagenarians with a mean age of 92.6 ± 1.3 years suffering from severe aortic valve stenosis and elevated comorbidity index (logistic EuroSCORE of 32.0 ± 9.5%, STS score 25.3 ± 9.7%) underwent TAVI between January 2008 and January 2011 using the third-generation percutaneous self-expanding CoreValve prosthesis. Baseline transthoracic echocardiography reported a mean aortic valve area (AVA) of 0.6 ± 0.2 cm2 with a mean and peak pressure gradient of 60.2 ± 13.1mmHg and 91.0 ± 27.4mmHg, respectively. The 30-day follow up all cause and cardiovascular mortality was 27.3% and 9.1%, respectively. One major stroke (9.1%), 2 pulmonary embolisms (18.2%), 1 periprocedural (9.1%) and 1 (9.1%) spontaneous myocardial infarction occured. Life-threatening or disabling bleeding occurred in 2 cases (18.2%), and minor bleeding in 7 cases (63.6%). Mean severity of heart failure according to NYHA functional class improved from 3.2 ± 0.8 to 1.36 ± 0.5 while mean AVA increased from 0.6 ± 0.2cm2 to 1.8 ± 0.2cm2. At 6-months follow-up 8 patients (72.7%) were alive without any additional myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, bleeding, or stroke as compared to 30-day follow-up.ConclusionOur case series demonstrate that even with elevated comorbidity index, clinical endpoints and valve-associated results are relatively favorable in nonagenarians treated with CoreValve.