Introduction:
We sought to describe changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after TAVR procedures.
Methods:
This is an observational study from 04/2008 to 06/2015 of all consecutive adults who received TAVR for severe symptomatic AS with Edwards Sapien or Medtronic CoreValve at two tertiary academic centers in USA and France.
Results:
Of 765 patients who received TAVR, 716 (94%) had follow-up echocardiography. Of those, 513 (72%), 143 (20%), 60 (8%) had a baseline EF>50%, EF 30-49%, and EF<30, respectively. Patients with EF < 30% were more likely to be Hispanic males. There were no differences in age, CVD risk factors, or history of multivessel coronary disease among groups. Patients with EF<30% were more likely to have AICD implantation and paced rhythm. All groups had similar rates of IABP insertion for hemodynamic support (EF≥50%: 6%, EF<30-49%: 9%, EF<30: 5%, p=0.544), procedural success (EF≥50%: 94%, EF<30-49%: 97%, EF<30: 98%, p=0.180), in-hospital mortality, procedural complications, and complete heart block. However, one-year all-cause-mortality was higher if baseline LV systolic function was abnormal (EF≥50%: 6%, EF<30-49%: 14%, EF<30: 9%, p=0.036). On 30-day follow-up echocardiography, absolute improvement in LVEF was highest among patients with EF<30% (Figure 1). If baseline LVEF was reduced, unchanged or improved mitral regurgitation were associated with improved LV function on follow-up (Figure 2).
Conclusion:
Transcatheter treatment of severe symptomatic AS is safe and feasible, even in patients with LVEF<30%. Most patients with LVEF<50% had increased EF after TAVR procedures.