Single centre experience with transapical transcatheter mitral valve implantation†

OBJECTIVES: A transcatheter heart valve technique can be used in failed mitral valve repairs with annuloplasty rings, deterioriated bioprostheses and in mitral annular calcification, all serving as 'docking stations' for balloon-expandable valves. Specially designed transcatheter mitral valve platforms are used in ongoing studies for native mitral valve regurgitation. We present our single centre experience with transcatheter mitral valve implantation-transapical approach procedures in eleven patients. METHODS: Eleven patients were treated between 2011 and 2016. They had severe mitral regurgitation due to either failed repair annuloplasty rings (N = 6), failed bioprostheses (N = 2) or in the native valve (N = 3), all at high risk for open mitral valve surgery. Three different types of transcatheter valves were used: (1) the SAPIEN XT/SAPIEN 3, (2) the Lotus valve and (3) a Tendyne transcatheter mitral valve. Computed tomography reconstruction, echocardiography, 3D printing and bench tests were done in the preoperative evaluation and procedural planning. Transapical approach access was performed via a left minithoracotomy. RESULTS: Implantation success was 100% with no left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Good haemodynamics and improved New York Heart Association class were demonstrated in all patients. One patient died before 30 days due to sepsis. One patient had a valve thrombosis when switching from Coumadin to new oral anticoagulant and had a second valve implanted into the first one as a 'valve-in-valve' procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The transapical approach is a safe and straight forward procedure for accessing the mitral valve. 'Transcatheter aortic valve implantation' prostheses may be used in redo surgery due to an already sufficient 'docking station'. These specially designed new prostheses may be beneficial for addressing mitral valve regurgitation, but are still under evaluation. Anticoagulation is mandatory.