Skip to main content
Journal of the American Heart Association: Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease logoLink to Journal of the American Heart Association: Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease
. 2023 Apr 29;12(9):e028654. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.122.028654

Repeat Mitral Transcatheter Edge‐to‐Edge Repair for Recurrent Significant Mitral Regurgitation

Alon Shechter 1,2,3, Mirae Lee 1,4, Danon Kaewkes 1,5, Ofir Koren 1,6, Sabah Skaf 1, Tarun Chakravarty 1, Keita Koseki 1,7, Vivek Patel 1, Raj R Makkar 1,, Robert J Siegel 1,8,
PMCID: PMC10227228  PMID: 37119061

Abstract

Background

There are limited data on repeat mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair for recurrent significant mitral regurgitation (MR).

Methods and Results

We conducted a single‐center, retrospective analysis of consecutive patients referred to a second mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair after a technically successful first procedure. Clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic measures were assessed up to 1 year after the intervention. The composite of all‐cause death or heart failure (HF) hospitalizations constituted the primary outcome. A total of 52 patients (median age, 81 [interquartile range, 76–87] years, 29 [55.8%] men, 26 [50.0%] with functional MR) met the inclusion criteria. MR recurrences were mostly related to progression of the underlying cardiac pathology. All procedures were technically successful. At 1 year, most patients with available records (n=24; 96.0%) experienced improvement in MR severity or New York Heart Association functional class that was statistically significant but numerically modest. Fourteen (26.9%) patients died or were hospitalized due to HF. These were higher‐risk cases with predominantly functional MR who mostly underwent an urgent procedure and exhibited more severe HF indices before the intervention, as well as an attenuated 1‐month clinical and echocardiographic response. Overall, 1‐year course was comparable to that experienced by patients who underwent only a first transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair at our institution (n=902). Tricuspid regurgitation of greater than moderate grade was the only baseline parameter to independently predict the primary outcome.

Conclusions

Repeat mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair is feasible, safe, and clinically effective, especially in non‐functional MR patients without concomitant significant tricuspid regurgitation.

Keywords: MitraClip, mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair, recurrent mitral regurgitation, transcatheter mitral valve repair

Subject Categories: Catheter-Based Coronary and Valvular Interventions


Nonstandard Abbreviations and Acronyms

CSMC

Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center

MR

mitral regurgitation

NYHA

New York Heart Association

TEER

transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair

TR

tricuspid regurgitation

Clinical Perspective.

What Is New?

  • Our analysis of 52 real‐world patients demonstrated good feasibility and safety of redo mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair for recurrent significant mitral regurgitation, as well as improved symptomatic status and regurgitation severity at 1 month and 1 year following the procedure.

  • The 1‐year composite rate of all‐cause death or heart failure hospitalizations was 26.9%, closely matching the one observed among patients undergoing transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair for the first time (n=902).

  • A worse combined outcome of death or hospitalizations was associated with functional mitral regurgitation cause and independently predicted by the presence of above‐moderate tricuspid regurgitation at baseline.

What Are the Clinical Implications?

  • Repeat mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair is a viable treatment option for patients facing recurrent significant mitral regurgitation after a technically successful first procedure.

  • Future, prospective research is needed to validate our findings and attest the added value of our predictive model in the patient selection process.

Mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER) is an accepted treatment modality in patients with an above‐moderate native mitral regurgitation (MR) that is accompanied by symptoms or ventricular dysfunction despite guideline‐directed therapy. Among primary MR cases, the procedure results in comparable death rates but lower sustainability of MR reduction compared with surgery, 1 whereas in functional cases exhibiting heart failure (HF), it demonstrates a superior survival effect when compared with medical treatment alone. 2 While promising, the performance of mitral TEER in a similarly symptomatic/decompensated, percutaneously intervened valvular disease is less well established. 3 , 4 , 5 Due to patients' elevated risk profile and morphological obstacles imposed by the previously implanted device, redo mitral TEER nevertheless represents 1 of the 2 main treatment options available for recurrent MR following a first mitral TEER, the other being surgical valve replacement 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 (a third path using percutaneous electrocauterization of the TEER‐induced bridge followed by valve implantation is still experimental 10 ). This contrasts recurrent MR after surgery, which may be successfully addressed by surgical 11 , 12 or percutaneous 13 , 14 , 15 valve repair or replacement. Considering the widespread use of mitral TEER in developed nations, 16 the up to 10% recurrence rate of significant MR at 1 year after a technically successful procedure in the real world, 17 and the setbacks that have been associated with surgical approaches to TEER failure, including a relatively high in‐hospital mortality, 7 it is important to ascertain the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of repeat mitral TEER. Using a contemporary, large registry, we aimed to explore the characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing repeat mitral TEER and to identify predictors for adverse prognosis following the reintervention.

Methods

Data Availability

The data underlying this article will be shared upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.

Study Population and Definitions

This is an observational study based on the Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center (CSMC) registry of consecutive mitral TEER procedures performed on adult patients between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2020. We included patients undergoing redo mitral TEER for above‐moderate MR accompanied by symptoms or ventricular dysfunction despite best tailored medical therapy, after a technically successful first procedure, defined as one that incorporated actual device deployment with no intraprocedural death or reintervention within the first 24 hours. 18

The primary outcome was the combined rate of all‐cause death or HF hospitalizations at 1 year. Secondary outcomes consisted of individual components of the primary outcome, as well as acute cardiovascular events (including stroke, transient ischemic attack, and myocardial infarction) and any bleeding episodes. All outcomes were defined according to the Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium criteria. 18

MR etiologies were determined by intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiographic observations during the first mitral TEER. MR recurrence cause was evaluated using transesophageal echocardiographic images from the repeat procedure. The absence of a definite connection between the existing clip(s) and the mitral leaflet(s) defined a device malfunction. Device‐related factors were further categorized as grasping loss (also referred to as loss of leaflet insertion), clip migration, and leaflet detachment. These have been schematically illustrated by others. 17 , 19 Non–device‐related causes for MR recurrence included left atrial (LA) enlargement with resulting annular dilatation and leaflet retraction, left ventricular (LV) remodeling with consequential leaflet tethering, and prolapse/flail progression. Symptomatic status along the study period was reported using the standardized New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire 12 scoring system. Baseline risk assessment used the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score for mitral valve replacement and the MitraScore. 20

Our project complied with the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Cedars‐Sinai Institutional Review Board, which waived the need for informed consent.

Procedural and Echocardiographic Aspects

Mitral TEER was undertaken after a shared decision‐making process and a Heart Team discussion that included at least 1 interventional cardiologist and 1 cardiac surgeon. All used the MitraClip™ system (Abbott Vascular Inc, Santa Clara, CA) and were performed under general anesthesia, via transseptal approach and femoral venous access, and with echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance. Monitoring by right heart catheterization was used as well.

Echocardiograms at all stages were performed using the EPIQ ultrasound system (Philips, Andover, MA) and conformed to the relevant American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. 21 , 22 , 23 Two echocardiologists (A.S. and M.L.) blindly reread the studies to ensure data integrity. MR severity was assessed using integration of qualitative and semiquantitative measures. At baseline, it was determined by a preprocedural transthoracic echocardiogram; intraprocedurally, transesophageal echocardiography was used. Global right ventricular function was assessed qualitatively. The pulmonary venous flow pattern was determined on intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography using the ratio of peak systolic wave velocity to peak diastolic wave velocity, as measured by a pulsed‐wave Doppler beam placed within 1 cm of the pulmonary venous ostia. Pulmonary venous flow pattern improvement was defined as a rise from baseline in the systolic/diastolic velocities ratio on either side, while pulmonary venous flow pattern normalization required the emergence of a ratio of ≥1 on ≥1 side.

Data Collection and Statistical Analysis

Data were retrieved from an electronic medical chart platform (CS‐Link, Epic, Verona, WI). Per institutional protocol, patients were asked to attend an in‐person appointment at our cardiology outpatient clinic at 1 month and 1 year following the intervention.

Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 24 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY) and MedCalc version 20.113 (MedCalc, Ostend, Belgium). Variables were reported as frequencies and percentages, medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs), or means and SDs, as appropriate. Comparisons used Pearson's chi‐square, Fisher's exact, Student's t, or Mann–Whitney U tests. Correlation tests employing Pearson and Spearmen coefficients were undertaken to assess the relationship between variables within the same patient groups. Evaluation of change over time in variables was based on paired‐sample t, Wilcoxon, or McNemar tests.

The risk for developing the primary outcome as a function of MR cause, assumed cause of MR recurrence, redo procedure timing, and first procedure location was graphically displayed according to the Kaplan–Meier method, with comparisons of cumulative event‐free survival rates by the log‐rank test. To identify baseline predictors of the primary outcome, and unless specified otherwise, variables of presumed prognostic importance were first analyzed by a univariable Cox regression technique, after which parameters demonstrating a P value of <0.05 were integrated into a multivariable analysis model. Harrell's C‐statistic was used to illustrate the discrimination ability of previously studied risk scores for the primary outcome. Finally, repeat procedures were compared with first procedures specifically in patients who have undergone both, or either, at CSMC and whose medical records were retrievable.

Patients with missing values were censored from the relevant analyses in a pairwise fashion. An association was considered statistically significant upon a 2‐sided P value of <0.05.

Results

Baseline Characteristics of the Study Population

Out of 1066 mitral TEER procedures performed at CSMC, 62 (5.8%) were repeat interventions. Of these, 52 (4.9%) followed a technically successful first procedure (Figure 1). Follow‐up duration was 354 (interquartile range, 77–919) days. Baseline and 1‐month echocardiograms were performed 16 (interquartile range, 2–44) days before and 34 (29–42) days after the redo procedure, respectively.

Figure 1. Study flowchart.

Figure 1

CSMC indicates Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center; MR, mitral regurgitation; and TEER, transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair.

Baseline characteristics of the study cohort are summarized in Table 1. Patients were mostly male (n=29, 55.8%) and elderly (age 81 [interquartile range, 76–87] years) and exhibited a high burden of comorbidities, the most common being hypertension (n=46, 88.5%) and stage ≥III chronic kidney disease (n=38, 74.5%). Notably, they presented to the second TEER with advanced HF, as manifested by a NYHA class IV in 37 (71.2%) cases and a Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire 12 score of 53.22 (interquartile range, 24.01–66.32) points. LV ejection fraction was 50% (interquartile range, 26%–62%). These features were reflected in a moderate‐to‐high surgical and percutaneous risk scores.

Table 1.

Baseline Characteristics of the Study Population

Redo procedure (N=52)
Demographic details
Age, y 81 (76–87)
Sex, male 29 (55.8)
Medical conditions
Noncardiovascular
Body mass index, kg/m2 24.0 (22.0–25.9)
Diabetes 14 (26.9)
Hypertension 46 (88.5)
Smoking 0 (0.0)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 10 (19.2)
Anemia* 30 (57.7)
Stage ≥III chronic kidney disease 38 (74.5)
Cardiovascular
Previous MI, PCI, or CABG 18 (34.6)
Prior stroke or TIA 7 (13.5)
Peripheral arterial disease 4 (7.7)
Atrial fibrillation/flutter 36 (69.2)
Procedural risk
STS score for mitral valve repair 6.6 (3.7–13.3)
MitraScore 4 (2–5)
Heart failure features
New York Heart Association class
II 3 (5.8)
III 12 (23.1)
IV 37 (71.2)
KCCQ12 score 53.22 (24.01–66.32)
6‐minute walk test distance, m 214 (120–288)
Serum BNP, pg/mL 480 (223–1141)
Mitral regurgitation characteristics
Mitral regurgitation cause
Primary 23 (44.2)
Secondary/functional 26 (50.0)
Mixed 3 (5.8)
Mitral regurgitation severity
Moderate–severe 14 (26.9)
Severe 38 (73.1)
MR PISA EROA, cm2 0.37 (0.20–0.50)
MR PISA RVol, mL 31.4 (20.9–67.2)
TMPG, mm Hg 4 (3–5)
Echocardiographic indices
Left heart
LV ejection fraction (%) 50 (26–62)
LV end‐diastolic diameter, cm 5.0 (4.6–5.9)
LV end‐systolic diameter, cm 3.6 (3.0–4.7)
LV mass index, ASE formula, g/m2 119.7 (93.3–140.8)
Left atrial volume index, cm3/m2 55.0 (44.2–81.0)
Right heart
Right ventricular dysfunction 19 (44.2)
Right ventricular diameter, cm 4.2 (3.8–4.8)
Above‐moderate tricuspid regurgitation 19 (37.3)
Right ventricular‐pulmonary arterial coupling
TAPSE, mm 17 (11–21)
PASP, mm Hg 45 (39–59)
TAPSE/PASP, mm/mm Hg 0.31 (0.27–0.43)
Presentation and preprocedural course
Acute decompensated heart failure 3 (5.8)
Cardiogenic shock 1 (1.9)
Intravenous inotropic support 3 (5.8)
Mechanical assist device 0 (0.0)
Treatment
Medications
Beta blockers 34 (65.4)
RAS inhibitors 26 (50.0)
MRAs 11 (21.2)
Loop diuretics
Frequency 44 (84.6)
Furosemide‐equivalent dose, mg/day 40 (20–80)
Devices
CIED
Total 19 (36.5)
Pacemaker 4 (7.7)
ICD 5 (9.6)
CRT 0 (0.0)
CRTD 10 (19.2)
Hemodialysis 3 (5.8)

Data are presented as number (percentage) or median (interquartile range). ASE indicates American Society of Echocardiography; BNP, B‐type natriuretic peptide; CABG, coronary artery bypass grafting; CIED, cardiac implantable electronic device; CRT, cardiac resynchronization therapy; CRTD, cardiac resynchronization therapy–defibrillator; EROA, effective regurgitant orifice area; ICD, implantable cardioverter defibrillator; KCCQ, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire; LV, left ventricular; MI, myocardial infarction; MR, mitral regurgitation; MRAs, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists; PASP, pulmonary arterial systolic pressure; PCI, percutaneous coronary intervention; PISA, proximal isovelocity surface area; RAS, renin‐angiotensin system; RVol, regurgitant volume; STS, Society of Thoracic Surgeons; TAPSE, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion; TIA, transient ischemic attack; and TMPG, transmitral mean pressure gradient.

*

Anemia was defined as a blood hemoglobin level of <13 mg/dL in men or <12 mg/dL in women.

Regarding the valvular disease, 26 (50.0%) cases had secondary/functional MR. At the time of the redo intervention, most (n=38, 73.1%) regurgitations were severe. Recurrences were mainly attributed to progression of the underlying disease (Figure 2). LV remodeling causing recurrent MR correlated with functional cause for MR (Spearman's r=0.3; P=0.021). Among 39 patients who underwent both first and second TEER at CSMC, MR of less than or equal to mild or less than or equal to moderate degree was immediately achieved after the index procedure in 27 (69.2%) and 38 (97.4%) cases, respectively.

Figure 2. Estimated causes of mitral regurgitation recurrence.

Figure 2

LA indicates left atrial; and LV, left ventricular.

Procedural Details

Redo mitral TEER was performed at a median of 407 (interquartile range, 129–879) days after the initial intervention; in 23 (44.2%) patients, it was carried out within 1 year. All repeat procedures were concluded by successful device deployment, without any immediate complications or switch to surgery (Table 2). Thirty‐three percent of patients received ≥2 clips, and most (n=42, 80.8%) received second‐ or third‐generation devices. Non‐A2P2 clipping was undertaken in 10 (19.2%) cases and directly correlated with procedural urgency (Spearman's r=0.34; P=0.013). All but 1 patient were discharged home after a median hospital stay of 1 (interquartile range, 1–6) day.

Table 2.

Procedural Details and Results

Redo procedure
(N=52)
General procedural aspects
Urgent procedure 14 (26.9)
Total duration, min 111 (80 to 135)
Fluoroscopy duration, min 18 (15 to 29)
Concomitant interventions (ASD closure, TAVR, tricuspid TEER) 0 (0.0)
Conversion to surgery 0 (0.0)
Intraprocedural complications 0 (0.0)
Device parameters
Clips deployed
0 (aborted/not deployed) 0 (0.0)
1 35 (67.3)
≥2 17 (32.7)
Median 1 (1 to 2)
Device generation
First 4 (7.7)
Second 17 (32.7)
Third 25 (48.1)
Fourth 6 (11.5)
Intervention site
A1P1 2 (3.8)
A2P2 44 (84.6)
A3P3 8 (15.4)
Immediate postprocedural effects
Echocardiography
Mitral regurgitation severity mild or less
After clip deployment 20 (38.5)
At hospital discharge 29 (56.9)
Mitral regurgitation severity moderate or less
After clip deployment 52 (100.0)
At hospital discharge 49 (96.1)
Transmitral mean pressure gradient, mm Hg 4 (2 to 5)
Pulmonary venous flow pattern*
Normalization on ≥1 side 28 (60.9)
Improvement on ≥1 side 27 (65.9)
Atrial septal defect
Before 27 (51.9)
After 52 (100.0)
Right heart catheterization
V wave, mm Hg
Before clip deployment 28 (18 to 39)
After clip deployment 25 (19 to 33)
P value for change 0.027
Mean left atrial pressure, mm Hg
Before clip deployment 18 (14 to 25)
After clip deployment 19 (12 to 23)
Delta −3 (−9 to 4)
P value for change 0.14
Mean pulmonary arterial pressure, mm Hg
Before clip deployment 33 (25 to 46)
After clip deployment 28 (21 to 36)
P value for change 0.20
Postprocedural course
Intensive care unit stay duration, h 4.1±19.2
Hospitalization length, d 1 (1 to 6)
Discharge home 51 (98.1)

Data are presented as number (percentage), median (interquartile range), or mean±SD. ASD indicates atrial septal defect; TAVR, transcatheter aortic valve replacement; and TEER, transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair.

*

Improvement and normalization of the pulmonary venous flow pattern were defined as a delta systolic/diastolic velocities ratio of >1 and as a postprocedural systolic/diastolic velocities ratio of ≥1, respectively.

Postprocedural Regurgitation Severity and Heart Failure Indices

A reduction in MR severity to mild or less was observed in 20 (38.5%) patients immediately after clip deployment and in 29 (55.8%) patients by the time of hospital discharge (Table 2); up to moderate MR was observed in 52 (100.0%) and 49 (96.1%) cases, respectively. Intraprocedural improvement in pulmonary venous flow pattern was recorded in 27 (65.9%) procedures. While a significant drop in the LA V wave was recorded, the mean LA pressure, reported in 32 patients, was unchanged. Atrial septal defect, present before the septal puncture in 27 (51.9%) patients (12/19 with and 15/32 without significant tricuspid regurgitation [TR]; P=0.26), was universally observed after clip deployment. At both stages, mild left‐to‐right shunt was noted in all but 2 patients who developed at the postprocedure phase a mild bidirectional shunt.

One‐month and 1‐year MR severity was reported in 37 (71.2%) and 20 (38.5%) patients, respectively. The corresponding figures regarding functional status were 41 (78.8%) and 23 (44.2%), respectively. A total of 25 (48.1%) patients had records on MR grade or NYHA class at 1 year.

Most patients with available data exhibited a significant improvement in functional status and MR severity both at the 1‐month and 1‐year marks, such that by 1 year, NYHA class decreased in 21 (91.3%) and MR regressed in 20 (100.0%) cases compared with baseline (Table 3 and Figure 3). While mildly symptomatic HF (ie, NYHA class I–II) or up to moderate MR was present in 24 (96.0%) patients with available records by the end of the first postprocedural year (mildly symptomatic HF, n=18, 78.3%; up to moderate MR, n=20, 100.0%), the combination of both was observed in 14 patients (73.7%). No significant differences compared with baseline were seen in loop diuretic dosage, serum BNP (B‐type natriuretic peptide) levels, or echocardiographic measures of cardiac function and dimensions.

Table 3.

One‐Month and 1‐Year Heart Failure and Mitral Regurgitation Indices

1 mo 1 y
Clinical
NYHA class
I–II 24 (58.5) 18 (78.3)
Change from baseline (classes) −1.3±0.7 −1.5±0.8
P value vs baseline <0.001* <0.001*
Improved (reduced) from baseline 36 (87.8) 21 (91.3)
Furosemide‐equivalent dose
Median, mg/d 40 (0 to 80) 40 (20 to 80)
Change from baseline, mg/d 0 (−20 to 0) 0 (0 to 20)
P value vs baseline 0.49 0.14
Improved (reduced) from baseline 16 (33.3) 2 (10.5)
Laboratory
Serum B‐type natriuretic peptide
Median, pg/mL 510 (227 to 1137) 524 (271 to 1063)
Change from baseline, pg/mL 36 (−156 to 334) 65 (−11 to 331)
P value vs baseline 0.23 0.13
Improved (reduced) from baseline 9 (31.0) 4 (30.8)
Echocardiographic
Mitral regurgitation severity
Mild or less 16 (43.2) 7 (35.0)
P value vs baseline <0.001* 0.029*
Moderate or less 33 (89.2) 20 (100.0)
P value vs baseline <0.001* <0.001*
Improved from baseline 33 (89.2) 20 (100.0)
Transmitral mean pressure gradient
Median, mm Hg 5 (3 to 7) 4 (2 to 5)
Change from baseline, mm Hg 1 (−1 to 3) −1 (−1 to 2)
P value vs baseline 0.07 0.96
Left ventricular ejection fraction
Median, % 56 (32 to 61) 55 (30 to 60)
Change from baseline, % 1 (−5 to 5) 0 (−9 to 13)
P value vs baseline 0.91 0.66
Improved (increased) from baseline 18 (51.4) 9 (45.0)
Left ventricular end‐systolic diameter
Median, cm 3.5 (2.7 to 4.4) 3.8 (2.9 to 5.3)
Change from baseline, cm −0.1 (−0.4 to 0.3) 0.0 (−0.1 to 0.4)
P value vs baseline 0.58 0.47
Improved (reduced) from baseline 16 (59.3) 6 (40.0)
Left atrial volume index
Median, cm3/m2 61.9 (41.9 to 80.0) 54.0 (39.9 to 76.1)
Change from baseline, cm3/m2 −2.0 (−10.1 to 15.8) −55.5 (−81.0 to 41.5)
P value vs baseline 0.39 0.27
Improved (reduced) from baseline 8 (66.7) 27 (96.4)
Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure
Median, mm Hg 48 (37 to 56) 45 (35 to 56)
Change from baseline, mm Hg 6 (−10 to 12) −5 (−16 to 11)
P value vs baseline 0.40 0.67
Improved (reduced) from baseline 8 (40.0) 7 (63.6)
TR severity above‐moderate 14 (40.0) 6 (30.0)
P value vs baseline 0.73 1.00
Combined
NYHA class I–II and MR severity mild or less 9 (24.3) 5 (25.0)
P value vs baseline <0.001* <0.001*
NYHA class I–II and MR severity moderate or less 20 (54.1) 14 (73.7)
P value vs baseline <0.001* <0.001*

Data are presented as number (percentage), median (interquartile range), or mean±SD. MR indicates mitral regurgitation; NYHA, New York Heart Association; and TR, tricuspid regurgitation.

*

Denotes statistical significance.

Figure 3. Transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair for recurrent significant mitral regurgitation.

Figure 3

A, Functional status; B, mitral regurgitation severity; C, left ventricular ejection fraction. Repeat mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair for recurrent significant mitral regurgitation led to significant improvement in functional status (A) and regurgitation severity (B), both at 1 month and 1 year. Left ventricular ejection fraction was not changed from baseline (C). LVEF indicates left ventricular ejection fraction; MR, mitral regurgitation; and NYHA, New York Heart Association.

Clinical Outcomes

Overall, 14 (26.9%) patients experienced the primary outcome, a composite of all‐cause death (n=9, 17.3%) or HF hospitalizations (n=7, 13.5%) during the first year after repeat mitral TEER (Table 4). Most events (n=12, 85.7%) took place >1 month after the procedure. Acute cardiovascular events (n=2, 3.8%) and Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium bleeding episodes (n=2, 3.8%) were uncommon. Of the 3 mitral reinterventions undertaken after the second procedure, 2 were third‐time mitral TEER (on days 41 and 49), and 1 was a surgical valve replacement (on day 49). There were no subsequent atrial septal defect closures during the follow‐up period.

Table 4.

Clinical Outcomes

Frequency Event‐free survival time at 1 y (d)
1 mo 1 y
Primary outcome
All‐cause death or heart failure hospitalizations 2 (3.8) 14 (26.9) 219.6±152.9
Secondary outcomes
All‐cause death 0 (0.0) 9 (17.3) 238.7±145.0
Heart failure hospitalizations 2 (3.8) 7 (13.5) 219.6±152.9
Mitral reintervention 0 (0.0) 3 (5.8) 224.6±150.1
MI/Stroke/TIA 1 (1.9) 2 (3.8) 46.5±20.8
MVARC bleeding 1 (1.9) 2 (3.8) 130.0±154.1

Data are presented as number (percentage) or mean±standard deviation. MI indicates myocardial infarction; MVARC, Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium; and TIA, transient ischemic attack.

Prediction of the Primary Outcome

The 14 patients who sustained the combined end point of all‐cause death or HF hospitalizations presented to the redo procedure with more pronounced HF and right‐sided echocardiographic abnormalities (including significant TR), a higher procedural risk, almost twice the prevalence of functional MR, and a numerically higher burden of preexistent atrial septal defect compared with the 38 event‐free cases (Tables S1 and S2). Their reinterventions were performed earlier and mostly on an urgent basis (ie, nonelective or unplanned) and used a nonsignificantly higher number of clips (Table S2). Following the procedure, patients who experienced the primary outcome were less likely to achieve an immediate reduction in MR to less than or equal to mild, as well as symptomatic relief at 1 month (Tables S2 and S3). Numerically fewer patients in this group also maintained an up to mild MR at discharge and at 1 month. No differences were demonstrated between patients who did and did not experience the primary outcome in regard to the estimated cause of MR recurrence, baseline LV function and diameters, periprocedural values of the mean LA pressure, rates of up to moderate MR at all time points explored, and the availability of 1‐month data on MR grade and NYHA class. Notably, all 3 patients who underwent a repeat TEER within the first month of the initial procedure, and most (5/8, 62.5%) of those in whom the A3P3 segment was targeted, sustained the primary outcome. Also, all 14 patients who died or were hospitalized due to HF by 1 year following the redo procedure remained in NYHA class of >II or had greater than mild residual MR after the first month.

Using Kaplan–Meier analysis, a higher 1‐year cumulative event rate was observed in patients with functional versus nonfunctional MR (42.3% versus 11.5%; log‐rank P=0.016) (Figure 4). By contrast, no differences in event‐free survival times were shown when considering the recurrence cause, the redo procedure's timing (≤1 versus >1 year after the initial procedure), or the first procedure's location (CSMC versus non‐CSMC). After multivariable analysis, above‐moderate TR emerged as the sole independent predictor of the primary outcome, more than tripling its risk (hazard ratio [HR], 3.54 [95% CI, 1.02–12.33]; P=0.047) (Table 5 and Figure 5). This echocardiographic parameter affected 10 of the 14 primary outcome cases, and patients with significant TR suffered higher rates of all‐cause death (7/19 [36.8%] versus 2/32 [6.3%]; P=0.009), HF hospitalizations (5/19 [26.3%] versus 2/32 [6.3%]; P=0.044) and the composite of both (10/19 [52.6%] versus 4/32 [12.5%]; P=0.002) during the first postprocedural year. Neither the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score for mitral valve repair nor the MitraScore demonstrated discriminative capabilities for the primary outcome (Figure 6).

Figure 4. One‐year cumulative incidence of all‐cause death or heart failure hospitalizations following repeat mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair according to baseline mitral regurgitation cause, recurrent mitral regurgitation cause, redo procedure timing, and first procedure institution.

Figure 4

A, Baseline mitral regurgitation cause; B, recurrent mitral regurgitation cause; C, redo procedure timing in relation to first procedure; D, first procedure institution. CSMC indicates Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center; and TEER, transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair.

Table 5.

Cox Proportional Hazard Model for the Combined Outcome of All‐Cause Mortality or Heart Failure Hospitalizations at 1 Year

Univariable Multivariable
HR (95% CI) P value HR (95% CI) P value
Baseline clinical characteristics
Age (continuous) 0.98 (0.91–1.06) 0.65
Sex, male 0.49 (0.17–1.42) 0.19
Body mass index (continuous) 0.97 (0.83–1.14) 0.97
Diabetes 0.93 (0.26–3.33) 0.91
Hypertension 0.61 (0.22–12.95) 0.61
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 1.30 (0.36–4.68) 0.68
Anemia* 2.15 (0.67–6.85) 0.20
Stage ≥III chronic kidney disease 4.09 (0.53–31.34) 0.18
Previous MI, PCI, or CABG 1.99 (0.69–5.72) 0.20
Prior stroke or TIA 0.47 (0.06–3.56) 0.46
Peripheral arterial disease 1.23 (0.16–9.45) 0.84
Atrial fibrillation/flutter 0.41 (0.14–1.17) 0.10
No CIED 0.33 (0.11–0.99) 0.050
New York Heart Association class IV 4.84 (0.63–36.06) 0.13
KCCQ12 score (continuous) 0.99 (0.95–1.04) 0.74
6‐minute walk distance (continuous) 0.97 (0.91–1.04) 0.39
Furosemide‐equivalent daily dose (continuous) 1.01 (0.99–1.02) 0.20
Serum BNP (continuous) 1.004 (1.0002–1.01) 0.036
No use of beta blockers 1.05 (0.35–3.14) 0.93
No use of RAS inhibitors 1.31 (0.46–3.79) 0.61
No use of MRAs 0.56 (0.19–1.69) 0.31
Baseline echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters
Functional mitral regurgitation 4.27 (1.19–15.35) 0.026
Severe mitral regurgitation 1.25 (0.42–3.74) 0.69
Transmitral mean pressure gradient (continuous) 0.74 (0.53–1.02) 0.17
LV ejection fraction (continuous) 0.99 (0.96–1.02) 0.40
LV end‐diastolic diameter (continuous) 1.36 (0.88–2.09) 0.16
LV end‐systolic diameter (continuous) 1.26 (0.88–1.79) 0.21
Left atrial volume index (continuous) 1.04 (0.98–1.03) 0.80
Right ventricular dysfunction 2.72 (0.86–8.58) 0.09
Above‐moderate tricuspid regurgitation§ 5.25 (1.63–16.87) 0.005 3.54 (1.02–12.33) 0.047
4.22 (1.29–13.85) 0.017 ,
Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (continuous) 0.98 (0.92–1.03) 0.37
TAPSE/PASP (continuous) 0.15 (0.01–24.31) 0.46
Atrial septal defect 2.29 (0.72–7.30) 0.16
V wave (continuous) 1.02 (0.97–1.06) 0.48
Mean left atrial pressure (continuous) 1.02 (0.95–1.11) 0.56
Mean right atrial pressure (continuous) 1.04 (0.88–1.23) 0.63
Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (continuous) 0.99 (0.93–1.05) 0.66
Presentation to procedure
Acute decompensated heart failure 1.10 (0.14–8.44) 0.93
Cardiogenic shock 3.35 (0.43–26.03) 0.25
Assumed mitral regurgitation recurrence cause
Cardiac remodeling
Left atrial remodeling 0.57 (0.08–4.37) 0.59
LV remodeling 3.91 (1.22–12.57) 0.022
Left atrial or LV remodeling 2.06 (0.69–6.15) 0.20
Prolapse/flail progression 0.78 (0.27–2.26) 0.65
Device‐related issues 0.64 (0.18–2.30) 0.50
Loss of leaflet insertion 1.12 (0.31–4.00) 0.87
Clip migration 0.05 (0.01–732.80) 0.68
Leaflet detachment 0.04 (0.01–304.34) 0.49
Functional MR or LV remodeling causing recurrent MR 4.27 (1.19–15.35) 0.026 3.02 (0.79–11.59) 0.11
3.49 (0.95–12.84) 0.16
Time from first procedure
Continuous 0.99 (0.99–1.01) 0.08
≤1 mo 9.31 (2.38–36.70) 0.001 3.17 (0.75–13.51) 0.12
≤1 y 2.40 (0.80–7.19) 0.12
First procedure not at Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center 1.16 (0.32–4.14) 0.83
Postprocedural data availability
Absence of 1‐mo data on MR severity 2.35 (0.81–6.78) 0.11
Absence of 1‐mo data on NYHA class 2.09 (0.65–6.67) 0.22

CABG indicates coronary artery bypass grafting; CIED, cardiac implantable electronic device; CKD, chronic kidney disease; HR, hazard ratio; KCCQ, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire; LV, left ventricular; MR, mitral regurgitation; MRAs, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists; NYHA, New York Heart Association; PCI, percutaneous coronary intervention; RAS, renin‐angiotensin system; TAPSE, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion; TIA, transient ischemic attack; and TR, tricuspid regurgitation.

*

Anemia was defined as a blood hemoglobin level <13 mg/dL in men or 12 mg/dL in women.

Serum BNP correlated with significant TR (Pearson's r=0.4; P=0.009), functional MR/LV remodeling causing recurrent MR (Pearson's r=0.3, P=0.017), and very early redo procedure (Pearson's r=0.3, P=0.037) and was therefore omitted from the multivariable analysis.

As functional MR and LV remodeling causing recurrent MR were significantly associated and correlated (Spearman's r=0.3; P=0.021), they were combined into a single variable.

§

Significant TR remained the sole variable to exhibit a significant association with the primary outcome also upon inclusion, in the multivariable analysis, of parameters with a P value of <0.1 on univariate analyses (ie, atrial fibrillation, no use of CIED, and right ventricular dysfunction).

Multivariable analysis was repeated without the ≤1‐month redo TEER variable, as redo TEER was performed within 1 month of the first procedure in 3 patients.

Denotes statistical significance in the multivariable model.

Figure 5. Probability of 1‐year combined outcome of all‐cause death or heart failure hospitalizations according to baseline tricuspid regurgitation severity.

Figure 5

HF indicates heart failure; HR, hazard ratio; TEER, transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair; and TR, tricuspid regurgitation.

Figure 6. C‐statistic values of risk models for the combined outcome of all‐cause death or heart failure hospitalizations following redo mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair.

Figure 6

AUC indicates area under the curve; and STS, Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Functional Versus Nonfunctional Mitral Regurgitation

Patients who underwent redo TEER with functional MR suffered a more advanced HF at baseline and were more likely to have an above‐moderate TR and to undergo an urgent procedure (Tables S4 and S5). Their short‐term biochemical and echocardiographic response was attenuated, with only 7 (26.9%) patients demonstrating an immediate reduction in MR severity to less than or equal to mild (Table S5). One‐month and 1‐year MR grade and functional status, however, were comparable to those observed in nonfunctional MR cases (Table S6). An overall higher clinical event rate was experienced by the functional MR subgroup, reaching statistical significance for death (Table S7).

Redo Versus First Procedures Performed at CSMC on the Same Patients

Thirty‐nine patients were identified who underwent both the first and redo mitral TEER procedures at CSMC and for whom there were available records. Presentation of these patients to the second procedure was characterized by a worse HF status, signified by a higher prevalence of NYHA functional class IV and lower LV ejection fraction and right ventricular pulmonary arterial coupling values, as well as a trend toward a worse procedural risk (Table S8). Interestingly, MR was reported less commonly as severe before the redo procedure. Compared with the index intervention, repeat TEER used newer‐generation devices and numerically fewer clips and targeted non‐A2P2 segments more commonly (Table S9). No differences were noted in total and fluoroscopy times and regarding intraprocedural complications. A summary of baseline and periprocedural echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters observed in the 2 procedures is provided in Table 6.

Table 6.

Selected Baseline and Periprocedural Echocardiographic and Hemodynamic Parameters Observed in First and Redo Procedures Performed at Cedars‐Sinai

First procedure (N=39) Redo procedure (N=39) P value
Baseline mitral regurgitation characteristics
Mitral regurgitation severity 0.018
Moderate–severe 1 (2.6) 10 (25.6)
Severe 38 (97.4) 29 (74.4)
TMPG, mm Hg 2 (2–3) 4 (3–5) 0.001
Immediate postprocedural echocardiographic parameters
Mitral regurgitation severity
Mild or less 27 (69.2) 14 (35.9) 0.003
Moderate or less 38 (97.4) 39 (100.0) 1.00
TMPG, mm Hg 3 (2–4) 3 (2–5) 0.15
PVFP*
Normalization on ≥1 side 20 (54.1) 21 (60.0) 0.61
Improvement on ≥1 side 26 (76.5) 20 (64.5) 0.29
Periprocedural right heart catheterization parameters
V wave, mm Hg
Before 30 (20–40) 28 (18–38) 0.83
After 21 (13–26) 26 (18–34) 0.048
P value for change 0.001 0.045 NA
Mean LA pressure, mm Hg
Before 18 (13–23) 17 (14–27) 0.80
After 14 (10–19) 19 (13–24) 0.016
P value for change 0.003 0.19 NA
Mean PA pressure, mm Hg
Before 27 (23–30) 34 (23–47) 0.044
After 25 (22–30) 28 (21–38) 0.91
P value for change 0.51 0.26 NA

Data are presented as number (percentage) or median (interquartile range). LA indicates left atrial; NA, not applicable; PA, pulmonary arterial; PVFP, pulmonary venous flow pattern; and TMPG, transmitral mean pressure gradient.

*

Improvement and normalization of the pulmonary venous flow pattern were defined as a delta S/D velocities ratio of >1 and as a postprocedural S/D velocities ratio of ≥1, respectively.

Denotes statistical significance.

Focusing on 37 patients in whom the 2 procedures were separated by more than a month, similar 1‐month effects were noted in terms of absolute and relative (compared with baseline) clinical and laboratory indices of HF, as well as comparable rates of reduction of MR severity to less than or equal to mild or less than or equal to moderate—this is despite significantly lower rates of less than or equal to mild MR immediately after clip deployment and at discharge time and a numerically higher rate of 1‐month significant TR after the redo procedure (Tables S9 and S10).

All Redo Versus All First Procedures Performed at CSMC

Compared with patients who underwent a first‐ever, isolated mitral TEER at CSMC without known reinterventions for 1 year (n=902), our redo cohort (n=52) was older and more functionally impaired, had a higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, was less likely to present with severe MR, and suffered more commonly from significant TR (Table S11). Intraprocedure, the redo group was treated with fewer, newer‐generation clips, which were more likely to be implanted in non‐A2P2 segments, mainly A3P3 (Table S12). Immediate and short‐term results were less optimal, as exemplified by lower rates of less than or equal to mild MR immediately after clip deployment and up to 1 month after the procedure (43.2% versus 63.7%; P=0.012), as well as less improvement in HF indices (such as Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire 12 score and serum BNP level), a higher pulmonary arterial systolic pressure, and a higher rate of 1‐month significant TR (Tables S12 and S13). One‐year results were generally similar, including NYHA class, MR severity, transmitral mean pressure gradient, and echocardiographic measures of reverse remodeling and TR severity (Tables S12 and S13). These were accompanied by comparable 1‐year cumulative rates of all‐cause death (17.3% versus 12.1%; log‐rank P=0.23), HF hospitalizations (13.5% versus 15.0%; log‐rank P=0.89), and the composite of the 2 (26.9% versus 24.2%; log‐rank P=0.57; Figure 7).

Figure 7. One‐year cumulative incidence of all‐cause death and heart failure hospitalization following first‐time and repeat, isolated mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair procedures.

Figure 7

A, All‐cause death; B, heart failure hospitalizations; C, all‐cause death or heart failure hospitalizations. TEER indicates transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair.

By univariable analysis, redo TEER did not demonstrate an independent association with either of the clinical outcomes explored (all‐cause death: unadjusted HR, 1.51 [95% CI, 0.76–2.97]; P=0.24; HF hospitalizations: unadjusted HR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.44–2.03]; P=0.89; primary outcome: unadjusted HR, 1.17 [95% CI, 0.68–2.01]; P=0.57). After incorporation of variables that differed between the first‐time and redo groups into a multivariable model, the primary outcome was again not associated with a repeat procedure but rather with NYHA class IV, significant TR, low tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to pulmonary arterial systolic pressure ratio, and acute HF presentation (Table S14).

Discussion

Our study evaluated the use of repeat mitral TEER for significant recurrent MR developing after a technically successful first intervention in a real‐world setting. Based on a large, single‐center registry in which redo procedures comprised close to 6% of all interventions, we observed the following:

1. All redo procedures were concluded by successful device deployment, without intraprocedural complications or conversion to surgery.

2. HF burden and MR were significantly reduced in almost all alive patients with available data up to 1‐year after the procedure, and complete freedom from severely symptomatic, significant MR was evident in almost three‐quarters.

3. A little more than 25% of patients experienced the primary outcome, a composite of all‐cause death, or HF hospitalization within the first postprocedural year.

4. Factors associated with an adverse clinical outcome were advanced HF presentation, functional MR cause, above‐moderate TR at baseline, urgent or early procedure (ie, within 1 month of the initial intervention), and non‐A2P2 (mainly A3P3) clipping.

5. Significant preprocedural TR emerged as an independent predictor of the primary outcome.

Currently, data on redo mitral TEER originate in retrospective or small studies that employed short‐term analyses. Studies exploring surgical approaches to TEER failure, on their part, have focused on less morbid and functionally impaired patients compared with redo mitral TEER cohorts, ours included, and mainly reported on death alone, which was mostly confined to the short‐term periprocedural period. In the largest report of redo mitral TEER before the present study, a strategy of an up‐front repeat procedure for a failed initial one (n=51) was associated with a trend toward reduced death compared with surgery (n=25) and medical therapy (n=71). 3 However, baseline patient characteristics differed considerably between the treatment groups, and functional MR affected two‐thirds of the total cohort. Also, 7 redo procedures required surgical reintervention, and the follow‐up duration was relatively short (median, 162 days). Another study that specifically examined the association between MR cause and redo TEER outcomes showed a nonsignificantly improved survival following repeat procedure among patients with functional MR, but not primary MR, compared with patients referred to surgical intervention. 4 Once again, major differences in preprocedural parameters were noted between the groups. An investigation that propensity‐matched 43 redo interventions with 43 conservatively treated cases after TEER failure reported a relative survival benefit in the redo TEER group. 5 Here, patients displayed mainly (58.1%) functional MR and were followed for a short period (median, 9 months). Further, in most (58.1%) initial interventions, the discharge‐time MR was above moderate. Hence, by including the largest, most balanced cohort to date of redo mitral TEER cases, as well as by relying on 1 year of follow‐up, our study—although single‐arm—provides more robust data on procedural aspects and outcomes expected in this unique group of particularly morbid, high‐risk patients, the profile of whom was underrepresented in the surgical studies and substudies.

Despite the advanced HF status and elevated procedural risk encountered by our cohort, repeat mitral TEER proved universally feasible and safe and resulted in significant improvement in functional status and regurgitation severity compared with baseline among those who had available data. Moreover, its clinical effects matched those of the first procedure, even though health status deteriorated over time and was less optimal before the repeat intervention. Potential factors contributing to the encouraging outcomes of redo TEER at our institution included the use of newer‐generation devices and a lower number of devices per case, the absence of concomitant nonmitral interventions, and increased operator experience. While MR was less severe at the time of the repeat procedure, overall HF was more pronounced, suggesting that this apparently milder valvulopathy was underestimated, perhaps due to the presence of the prior clip(s). 23 , 24

Notably, amelioration of HF and MR following repeat mitral TEER was accompanied by somewhat less optimal structural results when compared with first‐time procedures. While achievement of up to moderate MR was comparable in the 2 groups, MR of up to a mild degree was observed in <40% of patients immediately after the redo clip deployment and in <60% of these cases at hospital discharge. Also, by 1 year, reverse cardiac remodeling by echo was not evident at all. In line with prior reports, 19 , 25 , 26 , 27 our findings likely mirrored the advanced disease state, which dictated a worse starting point for most redo TEER patients. In addition, the more complex interventional setting, signified by the abundance of urgent procedures, as well as the less ideal anatomic substrate for percutaneous edge‐to‐edge repair, 28 as suggested in part by the rather high rate of non‐A2P2 targeting, may have all impaired the procedure's ability to fully address the recurrent valvular disorder. Finally, and specifically regarding the change in periprocedural LA pressure, the median of which matched a previous report, 29 it could also be that some results were simply altered by the low number of observations.

Notwithstanding the structural effects of redo TEER, a clear survival benefit was shown in our study, with >80% of patients remaining alive after 1 year and almost three‐quarters being free of both death and HF hospitalizations. This survival rate exceeded those reported by previous smaller studies of patients undergoing redo mitral TEER 19 , 25 , 27 and either matched 9 or was only a few percentage points shy 8 of those observed among surgical cohorts of failed TEER, the latter exhibiting considerably less functional impairment and fewer comorbidities than ours.

On a final note, no baseline mitral valve–related parameters, such as regurgitation severity and diastolic pressure gradients, nor the cause of MR recurrence, were independently associated with the primary outcome—although LV remodeling did impose a trend toward a higher event risk. Also, previously reported risk models (ie, Society of Thoracic Surgeons score and the MitraScore) were not discriminative of this composite end point. By contrast, HF indices, including NYHA class and serum BNP level, did correlate with adverse events, as did functional MR cause (which also was associated with the presence of LV remodeling), all being significantly more common in patients who experienced the primary outcome compared with patients who did not. Complementing the results of a previous study showing a considerably high (47%) 1‐year death rate among 17 patients with functional MR who underwent a repeat mitral TEER after a technically successful first intervention, 27 these findings suggest that death and hospitalizations were mainly mediated by the underlying cardiomyopathy rather than the isolated valvular disease. In this regard, our study indicated above‐moderate TR at baseline as a marker of a less favorable outcome. A known risk factor for adverse postprocedural course in first‐time mitral TEER, 30 , 31 , 32 significant TR in our cohort was associated with >3 times the risk for the primary outcome. Its presence may have pointed to irreversible cardiac damage that is beyond the therapeutic capacity of repeat mitral TEER or simply reflected a separate disorder that needs to be addressed by other means. Regardless of the mechanistic link, the prognostic importance of significant TR was further stressed by the observation that neither diuretic dose nor nonusage of common HF medications, all of which may affect TR, was associated with the primary outcome. In light of our observations, and pending future, prospective trials, MR cause, LV remodeling, and TR extent may dictate the patient selection process preceding redo mitral TEER.

Limitations

First, our study is the product of a retrospective analysis of a small sample from a single, high‐volume center that did not use an external core laboratory. While this may impair generalizability of the results, we employed the largest cohort to date of redo mitral TEER procedures and relied on echocardiogram readings by blinded experts. Second, missing data, mainly regarding intraprocedural LA pressure as well as MR grade and functional status at 1 month and 1 year, could have interfered with the interpretation of the results and specifically limited our ability to evaluate the durability of MR repair. Nevertheless, the proportion of patients with missing data was comparable across the various subgroups; the availability of 1‐month data was not associated with the primary outcome; and baseline characteristics, deaths, and hospitalizations were reported in all patients. Third, the absence of significant MR recurrences at 1 year prevented us from drawing any conclusion pertaining to their possible predictors and consequently to considerations in favor of or against redo mitral TEER in this specific regard. Fourth, although representing a real‐world setting, and while driven by patients' features and tolerability, guideline‐directed therapy in our cohort was suboptimal in absolute terms. However, cardiac resynchronization therapy was not applied only in 2 patients with apparent indications: one with a class IIb indication and the other who refused an upgrade of his implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Fifth, the assessment of MR severity in preintervened valves could have been influenced by artifacts caused by existing clip(s). Moreover, we could not access echo images or reports preceding the first mitral TEER procedure or immediately following it in the 13 patients who underwent this first intervention outside of our institution. Finally, our results may not apply to non‐MitraClip systems, as those were not used in the study.

Conclusion

Based on our single‐center experience, repeat mitral TEER for significant recurrent MR after a technically successful first procedure was feasible, safe, and clinically efficacious, especially among patients with nonfunctional MR without concomitant significant TR.

Sources of Funding

The study was supported in part by the California Chapter of the American College of Cardiology through the Save a Heart Foundation.

Disclosures

Dr Makkar received grant support from Edwards Lifesciences Corporation; is a consultant for Abbott Vascular, Cordis, and Medtronic; and holds equity in Entourage Medical. Dr Chakravarty is a consultant, proctor, and speaker for Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic; is a consultant for Abbott Lifesciences; and is a consultant and speaker for Boston Scientific. The remaining authors have no disclosures to report.

Supporting information

Tables S1–S14

This article was sent to John S. Ikonomidis, MD, PhD, Guest Editor, for review by expert referees, editorial decision, and final disposition.

For Sources of Funding and Disclosures, see page 15.

Contributor Information

Raj R. Makkar, Email: raj.makkar@cshs.org.

Robert J. Siegel, Email: robert.siegel@cshs.org.

References

  • 1. Feldman T, Kar S, Elmariah S, Smart SC, Trento A, Siegel RJ, Apruzzese P, Fail P, Rinaldi MJ, Smalling RW, et al. Randomized comparison of percutaneous repair and surgery for mitral regurgitation: 5‐year results of EVEREST II. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2015;66:2844–2854. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.10.018 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 2. Stone GW, Abraham WT, Lindenfeld J, Kar S, Grayburn PA, Lim DS, Mishell JM, Whisenant B, Rinaldi M, Kapadia SR, et al. Five‐year follow‐up after transcatheter repair of secondary mitral regurgitation. N Engl J Med. 2023. Epub ahead of print. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2300213 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 3. Mangieri A, Melillo F, Montalto C, Denti P, Praz F, Sala A, Winkel MG, Taramasso M, Tagliari AP, Fam NP, et al. Management and outcome of failed percutaneous edge‐to‐edge mitral valve plasty: insight from an international registry. JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2022;15:411–422. doi: 10.1016/j.jcin.2021.11.040 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 4. Alessandrini H, Dreher A, Harr C, Wohlmuth P, Meincke F, Hakmi S, Ubben T, Kuck KH, Hassan K, Willems S, et al. Clinical impact of intervention strategies after failed transcatheter mitral valve repair. EuroIntervention. 2021;16:1447–1454. doi: 10.4244/EIJ-D-20-01008 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 5. Sugiura A, Weber M, Tabata N, Goto T, Öztürk C, Hammerstingl C, Sinning JM, Werner N, Nickenig G. Prognostic impact of redo transcatheter mitral valve repair for recurrent mitral regurgitation. Am J Cardiol. 2020;130:123–129. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2020.06.025 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 6. Rader F, Siegel RJ, Flint N, Minhas H, Shmueli YG, Shiota T, Trento A. Mitral valve surgery after failed MitraClip: a single‐center experience. J Invasive Cardiol. 2021;33:E236–E243. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 7. Chikwe J, O'Gara P, Fremes S, Sundt TM 3rd, Habib RH, Gammie J, Gaudino M, Badhwar V, Gillinov M, Acker M, et al. Mitral surgery after transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair: Society of Thoracic Surgeons database analysis. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2021;78:1–9. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2021.04.062 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 8. El Shaer A, Chavez Ponce A, Mazur P, Greason K, Arghami A, Eleid MF, Guerrero M, Rihal CS, Crestanello JA, Alkhouli M. Mitral valve surgery for persistent or recurrent mitral regurgitation after transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair is associated with improved survival. J Am Heart Assoc. 2022;11:e026236. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.122.026236 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 9. Mazur P, Arghami A, Zheng C, Alkhouli M, Schaff HV, Dearani J, Daly RC, Greason K, Crestanello JA. Mitral valve surgery after failed transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair. JTCVS Technol. 2022;14:79–88. doi: 10.1016/j.xjtc.2022.05.003 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 10. Lisko JC, Greenbaum AB, Guyton RA, Kamioka N, Grubb KJ, Gleason PT, Byku I, Condado JF, Jadue A, Paone G, et al. Electrosurgical detachment of MitraClips from the anterior mitral leaflet prior to transcatheter mitral valve implantation. JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2020;13:2361–2370. doi: 10.1016/j.jcin.2020.06.047 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 11. Suri RM, Schaff HV, Dearani JA, Sundt TM III, Daly RC, Mullany CJ, Enriquez‐Sarano M, Orszulak TA. Recurrent mitral regurgitation after repair: should the mitral valve be re‐repaired? J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2006;132:1390–1397. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2006.07.018 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 12. Moore RA, Wierup P, Tappuni S, Houghtaling PL, Burns DJP, Chemtob R, Blackstone EH, Svensson LG, Gillinov AM. Reoperation after early and late failure of mitral valve repair for degenerative disease. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2022. Epub ahead of print. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2022.09.033 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 13. Rahhab Z, Lim DS, Little SH, Taramasso M, Kuwata S, Saccocci M, Tamburino C, Grasso C, Frerker C, Wißt T, et al. MitraClip after failed surgical mitral valve repair‐an international multicenter study. J Am Heart Assoc. 2021;10:e019236. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.120.019236 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 14. Gerosa G, Besola L, Beiras‐Fernandez A, Salizzoni S, Vairo A, D'Aleo S, von Bardeleben RS, De Paulis R, Yadav R, Duncan A, et al. The Neochord procedure after failed surgical mitral valve repair. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2021;33:35–44. doi: 10.1053/j.semtcvs.2020.06.015 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 15. Simonato M, Whisenant B, Ribeiro HB, Webb JG, Kornowski R, Guerrero M, Wijeysundera H, Søndergaard L, De Backer O, Villablanca P, et al. Transcatheter mitral valve replacement after surgical repair or replacement: comprehensive midterm evaluation of valve‐in‐valve and valve‐in‐ring implantation from the VIVID registry. Circulation. 2021;143:104–116. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.049088 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 16. Kalbacher D, Ludwig S, Schofer N, Schirmer J, Reichenspurner H, Conradi L, Blankenberg S, Lubos E. 1000 MitraClip™ procedures. Eur Heart J. 2019;40:3137–3139. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz684 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 17. Sugiura A, Kavsur R, Spieker M, Iliadis C, Goto T, Öztürk C, Weber M, Tabata N, Zimmer S, Sinning JM, et al. Recurrent mitral regurgitation after MitraClip: predictive factors, morphology, and clinical implication. Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2022;15:e010895. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 18. Stone GW, Adams DH, Abraham WT, Kappetein AP, Généreux P, Vranckx P, Mehran R, Kuck KH, Leon MB, Piazza N, et al. Mitral valve academic research consortium (MVARC). Clinical trial design principles and endpoint definitions for transcatheter mitral valve repair and replacement: part 2: endpoint definitions: a consensus document from the mitral valve academic research consortium. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2015;66:308–321. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.05.049 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 19. Kreidel F, Frerker C, Schlüter M, Alessandrini H, Thielsen T, Geidel S, Schäfer U, Kuck KH. Repeat MitraClip therapy for significant recurrent mitral regurgitation in high surgical risk patients: impact of loss of leaflet insertion. JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2015;8:1480–1489. doi: 10.1016/j.jcin.2015.06.019 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 20. Raposeiras‐Roubin S, Adamo M, Freixa X, Arzamendi D, Benito‐González T, Montefusco A, Pascual I, Nombela‐Franco L, Rodes‐Cabau J, Shuvy M, et al. A score to assess mortality after percutaneous mitral valve repair. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2022;79:562–573. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2021.11.041 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 21. Zoghbi WA, Adams D, Bonow RO, Enriquez‐Sarano M, Foster E, Grayburn PA, Hahn RT, Han Y, Hung J, Lang RM, et al. Recommendations for noninvasive evaluation of native valvular regurgitation: a report from the American Society of Echocardiography developed in collaboration with the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2017;30:303–371. doi: 10.1016/j.echo.2017.01.007 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 22. Zamorano JL, Badano LP, Bruce C, Chan KL, Gonçalves A, Hahn RT, Keane MG, La Canna G, Monaghan MJ, Nihoyannopoulos P, et al. EAE/ASE recommendations for the use of echocardiography in new transcatheter interventions for valvular heart disease. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2011;24:937–965. doi: 10.1016/j.echo.2011.07.003 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 23. Zoghbi WA, Asch FM, Bruce C, Gillam LD, Grayburn PA, Hahn RT, Inglessis I, Islam AM, Lerakis S, Little SH, et al. Guidelines for the evaluation of valvular regurgitation after percutaneous valve repair or replacement: a report from the American Society of Echocardiography developed in collaboration with the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Japanese Society of Echocardiography, and Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2019;32:431–475. doi: 10.1016/j.echo.2019.01.003 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 24. Caballero A, Qin T, Hahn RT, McKay R, Sun W. Quantification of mitral regurgitation after transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair: comparison of echocardiography and patient‐specific in silico models. Comput Biol Med. 2022;148:105855. doi: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2022.105855 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 25. El‐Shurafa H, Arafat AA, Albabtain MA, AlFayez LA, AlOtaiby M, Algarni KD, Pragliola C. Reinterventions after transcatheter edge to edge mitral valve repair: is early clipping warranted? J Card Surg. 2020;35:3362–3367. doi: 10.1111/jocs.15077 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 26. Curio J, Reinthaler M, Kasner M, Al‐Hindwan HSA, Baeckemo‐Johansson J, Neumann T, Jacobs S, Lauten A, Landmesser U. Repeated MitraClip procedure in patients with recurrent MR after a successful first procedure: limitations and outcome. J Interv Cardiol. 2018;31:83–90. doi: 10.1111/joic.12457 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 27. Kreusser MM, Weber A, Geis NA, Grossekettler L, Volz MJ, Hamed S, Katus HA, Pleger ST, Frey N, Raake PW. Re‐do MitraClip in patients with functional mitral valve regurgitation and advanced heart failure. ESC Heart Fail. 2021;8:4617–4625. doi: 10.1002/ehf2.13564 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 28. Sorajja P, Mack M, Vemulapalli S, Holmes DR Jr, Stebbins A, Kar S, Lim DS, Thourani V, McCarthy P, Kapadia S, et al. Initial experience with commercial transcatheter mitral valve repair in the United States. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016;67:1129–1140. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.12.054 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 29. Maor E, Raphael CE, Panaich SS, Reeder GS, Nishimura RA, Nkomo VT, Rihal CS, Eleid MF. Acute changes in left atrial pressure after MitraClip are associated with improvement in 6‐minute walk distance. Circ Cardiovasc Interv. 2017;10:e004856. doi: 10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.116.004856 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 30. Hahn RT, Asch F, Weissman NJ, Grayburn P, Kar S, Lim S, Ben‐Yehuda O, Shahim B, Chen S, Liu M, et al. Impact of tricuspid regurgitation on clinical outcomes: the COAPT trial. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020;76:1305–1314. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.07.035 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 31. Brunner S, Wolfrum M, Moccetti F, Stämpfli SF, Attinger‐Toller A, Bossard M, Matt P, Cuculi F, Kobza R, Toggweiler S. The relevance of tricuspid regurgitation in patients undergoing percutaneous treatment of mitral regurgitation. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 2022;99:1848–1856. doi: 10.1002/ccd.30114 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 32. Geyer M, Keller K, Bachmann K, Born S, Tamm AR, Ruf TF, Kreidel F, Hahad O, Petrescu A, Hell M, et al. Concomitant tricuspid regurgitation severity and its secondary reduction determine long‐term prognosis after transcatheter mitral valve edge‐to‐edge repair. Clin Res Cardiol. 2021;110:676–688. doi: 10.1007/s00392-020-01798-4 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Associated Data

This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

Supplementary Materials

Tables S1–S14

Data Availability Statement

The data underlying this article will be shared upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.


Articles from Journal of the American Heart Association: Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease are provided here courtesy of Wiley

RESOURCES