Long-Term Outcomes of Successful Recanalization Compared With Optimal Medical Therapy for Coronary Chronic Total Occlusions in Patients With and Without Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

Background: The number of coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is significant, but the clinical outcomes of these patients are rarely reported. The present retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of successful recanalization vs. optimal medical therapy (MT) for CTOs in patients with preserved and impaired LV systolic function.Methods: A total of 1,895 patients with CTOs were stratified according to LV function. Of these, 1,420 patients (74.9%) with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) >45% and 475 patients (25.1%) with LVEF ≤45% were treated with optimal MT or successful CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to reduce the impact of potential confounding on the outcomes. The primary outcome was the frequency of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs).Results: Throughout a 2.6-year follow-up and after adjusting for confounders, among patients with preserved LV function, successful CTO PCI was associated with reduced incidence of MACE (14.2 vs. 23.9%, adjusted HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.48–0.83, p = 0.001) compared to MT. There was no significant difference in MACE occurrence (29.6 vs. 28.9%, adjusted HR 1.05, 95% CI: 0.71–1.56, p = 0.792) between successful recanalization and MT in patients with LV systolic dysfunction. The primary outcome among patients with impaired and preserved LV systolic function after PSM was similar to that from earlier findings before PSM was conducted. A significant interaction between LV function and therapeutic strategy for MACE was observed (interaction p = 0.038).Conclusions: Compared to MT alone for management of patients with CTOs, successful CTO PCI may reduce the risk of MACE in patients with preserved LV systolic function, but not in patients with LV dysfunction.

Download Full-text

Acute recoordination rather than functional hemodynamic improvement determines reverse remodelling by cardiac resynchronisation therapy

The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1007/s10554-021-02174-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Philippe C. Wouters ◽

Geert E. Leenders ◽

Maarten J. Cramer ◽

Mathias Meine ◽

Frits W. Prinzen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systolic Function ◽

Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Peak Strain ◽

Cardiac Resynchronisation ◽

Reverse Remodelling ◽

Resynchronisation Therapy ◽

Lv Systolic Function

AbstractPurpose: Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) improves left ventricular (LV) function acutely, with further improvements and reverse remodelling during chronic CRT. The current study investigated the relation between acute improvement of LV systolic function, acute mechanical recoordination, and long-term reverse remodelling after CRT. Methods: In 35 patients, LV speckle tracking longitudinal strain, LV volumes & ejection fraction (LVEF) were assessed by echocardiography before, acutely within three days, and 6 months after CRT. A subgroup of 25 patients underwent invasive assessment of the maximal rate of LV pressure rise (dP/dtmax,) during CRT-implantation. The acute change in dP/dtmax, LVEF, systolic discoordination (internal stretch fraction [ISF] and LV systolic rebound stretch [SRSlv]) and systolic dyssynchrony (standard deviation of peak strain times [2DS-SD18]) was studied, and their association with long-term reverse remodelling were determined. Results: CRT induced acute and ongoing recoordination (ISF from 45 ± 18 to 27 ± 11 and 23 ± 12%, p < 0.001; SRS from 2.27 ± 1.33 to 0.74 ± 0.50 and 0.71 ± 0.43%, p < 0.001) and improved LV function (dP/dtmax 668 ± 185 vs. 817 ± 198 mmHg/s, p < 0.001; stroke volume 46 ± 15 vs. 54 ± 20 and 52 ± 16 ml; LVEF 19 ± 7 vs. 23 ± 8 and 27 ± 10%, p < 0.001). Acute recoordination related to reverse remodelling (r = 0.601 and r = 0.765 for ISF & SRSlv, respectively, p < 0.001). Acute functional improvements of LV systolic function however, neither related to reverse remodelling nor to the extent of acute recoordination. Conclusion: Long-term reverse remodelling after CRT is likely determined by (acute) recoordination rather than by acute hemodynamic improvements. Discoordination may therefore be a more important CRT-substrate that can be assessed and, acutely restored.

Download Full-text

Correlation between hemoglobin level and left ventricular systolic functions and dimensions in children with chronic severe anemia

Paediatrica Indonesiana ◽

10.14238/pi51.2.2011.79-83 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 51 (2) ◽

pp. 79

Author(s):

Erlina Masniari Napitupulu ◽

Fera Wahyuni ◽

Tina Christina L. Tobing ◽

Muhammad Ali ◽

Bidasari Lubis

Keyword(s):

Systolic Function ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular Systolic Function ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Severe Anemia ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Lv Systolic Function

Background Chronic severe anemia is a connnon disease. Cardiac output may increase when the hemoglobin (Hb) level decreases to < 7 g/dL for 3 months or more. Alteration of left ventricular (LV) function occurs frequently in children 'With chronic severe anemia, in the {onn of concentric LV hypertrophy, LV dilatation with or v.ithout LV hypertrophy, or systolic dysfunction. Objective To examine the correlation between Hb level and alteration of LV systolic function in children with chronic severe anemia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in Adam Malik Hospital from October to December 2009. Subjects were chronic severely anemic children. Left ventricular systolic function (ejection fraction/EF, fractional shortening/FS) and dimensions (left ventricular end diastolic diameter/LVEDD and left ventricular end systolic diameter/LVESD) were measured using Hitachi EUB 5500 echocardiography unit. Univariate analysis and Pearson correlation were performed.Results Thirty children were enrolled in the study. The mean of age was 113.5 months (SD 53.24). Hb values ranged from 2.1 to 6.9 g/dL with mean value of 4.6 g/dL (SD 1.44). Mean duration of anemia was 3.9 months (SD 0.70). Chronic severe anemia was not associated \\lith decreased LV systolic function [EF 62.2% (SD 9.16), r =0.296, P=0.112; FS 33.8% (SD 7.26), r =0.115, P=0.545], nor LV dimension changes [LVEDD 40.2 mm (SD 6.85), r = -0.192, P=0.308; LVESD 26.2 mm (SD 4.98), r=-0.266, P=0.156]. Conclusion There was no correlation between Hb level in chronically anemic children and changes in LV systolic function or dimension.

Download Full-text

Abstract 17367: Infusion of the Ketone Body β-Hydroxybutyrate Improves Left Ventricular Systolic Function in an Animal Model of Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.138.suppl_1.17367 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 138 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Carlos G SantosGallego ◽

Juan Antonio Requena-Ibanez ◽

Rodolfo San Antonio ◽

Kiyotake Ishikawa ◽

Belén Picatoste ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Feature Tracking ◽

Ketone Bodies ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Contractile Reserve ◽

Hemodynamic Assessment ◽

Lv Systolic Function

Introduction: In vitro, ketone bodies (KB) are the most energetically efficient fuel for myocardium. Ex vivo, KB infusion in the perfusion medium of working rat hearts increases the heat of combustion (produced energy) by 31%. However, there is no report about the in vivo effects of KB on LV function. We hypothesized that KB infusion in HFREF would improve energy production and thus LV systolic function. Methods: HFREF was induced in 15 pigs by 2-hour balloon occlusion of LAD: proximal LAD (n=8, severe HREF) and mid LAD (n=7, moderate HFREF). At 2 months, LV systolic function was evaluated during saline infusion and during infusion of the KB β-hydroxybutyrate. Severe HFREF animals underwent cardiac MRI for baseline LVEF, feature tracking strains, and contractile reserve (ΔLVEF under dobutamine 5μg/kg/min). Moderate HFREF pigs underwent invasive hemodynamic assessment (dP/dt) and 3D-echocadiography (3D-LVEF and 3D-strains). Simultaneous sampling from coronary artery and coronary sinus was performed to measure myocardial fuel consumption. Results: Proximal and mid LAD occlusion resulted in severe and moderate LV systolic dysfunction, respectively. In the severe HFREF, ketone infusion improved baseline LVEF, feature-tracking strains (both longitudinal and circumferencial strain), and contractile reserve. In the moderate HFREF, ketone infusion improved 3D-LVEF, 3D-strains and dP/dt (Table). Ketone infusion switched myocardial metabolism from glucose to ketone consumption. Conclusions: Continuous infusion of the KB hydroxybutyrate improves LV systolic function independent of LV systolic dysfunction severity via a shift in myocardial fuel metabolism away from glucose oxidation (energy inefficient) toward a more energy-efficient fuel like KB. This effect can explain the mechanism of action of the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure, as empagliflozin-induced mild kyperketonemia may increase LV systolic function and thus improve patient outcomes.

Download Full-text

Abstract 15481: LV Systolic Dysfunction is Improved by TAVR: Insights From the French-American Registry

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.132.suppl_3.15481 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Abdulla Damluji ◽

Yahya E Alansari ◽

Michael Dyal ◽

Magdalena Murman ◽

Mohamad Kabach ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systolic Function ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Lv Function ◽

Cvd Risk ◽

Hispanic Males ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Lv Systolic Function

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.

Download Full-text

Exercise Contractile Reserve for Predicting Mortality in Non-Ischemic Ventricular Dysfunction

Radiology and Medical Diagnostic Imaging ◽

10.31487/j.rdi.2019.03.02 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Alberto Bouzas-Mosquera ◽

Fernando Rebollal ◽

Javier Broullon ◽

Jesus Peteiro ◽

Jose M. Vazquez-Rodriguez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Exercise ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Contractile Reserve ◽

Lv Dysfunction ◽

History Of ◽

Artery Disease ◽

Lv Systolic Function

Objectives: A preserved contractile reserve is a marker of favorable outcome in different cardiac diseases. In some studies, using drugs, an increase in left ventricular (LV) systolic function was associated to better prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. We aimed to assess whether a positive contractile reserve (CR) to physical exercise is a marker of good outcome in patients with LV systolic dysfunction not related to coronary artery disease (CAD). Design: From our exercise echocardiography database we extracted patients with LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF ≤45), negative coronary angiography, and absence of a history of CAD. A positive CR was considered when peak LVEF was higher that resting LVEF. The endpoint was overall mortality. Results and Conclusions: Among the 225 patients included, 105 had a positive CR and 120 a negative CR. Resting LV function was similar in patients with positive and negative CR (LVEF 35±8 vs. 34±9; wall motion score index 1.81±0.34 vs. 1.80±0.29; both p=NS). During a follow up of 6.2+4.7 years (25-75th percentiles 2.2-9.5), there were 71 deaths. Ten-year mortality rates were 34% for patients with CR and 67% for patients without CR (p=0.003). After multivariate adjustment that included clinical variables, medications, resting LV function, and exercise testing variables the only predictors of death were age (hazard ratio (HR) 1.07, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.04-1.10, p<0.001), and absence of CR (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.09-2.98, p=0.02). In conclusion, in patients with non- ischemic LV dysfunction, a positive CR to physical exercise is a marker of better outcome.

Download Full-text

Mechanism of mitral leaflet excursion

AJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpheart.1995.269.6.h2100 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 269 (6) ◽

pp. H2100-H2108 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

J. M. Dent ◽

W. D. Spotnitz ◽

S. P. Nolan ◽

A. R. Jayaweera ◽

W. P. Glasheen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pressure Gradient ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Rate Of Change ◽

Lv Function ◽

Mitral Leaflet ◽

Rate Of Increase ◽

Lv Systolic Function

The factors that influence the extent of mitral leaflet opening (MLO) and closure (MLC) have not been defined. We hypothesized that left ventricular (LV) systolic function determines the rate of increase of the early diastolic left atrial (LA)-LV pressure gradient, which is responsible for the extent of MLO, and also the rate of change of the early systolic LV-LA pressure gradient, which determines the degree of MLC. Accordingly, global LV function was changed by altering left main coronary artery flow with LA pressure held relatively constant. LV end-systolic dimension and peak positive LV rate of pressure development (dP/dt) correlated best with the degrees of MLO and MLC, with average correlation coefficients of 0.88 and 0.68, and 0.86 and 0.72, respectively. Although transsecting the submitral apparatus resulted in flailing of the mitral leaflets during normal LV systolic function, the extents of MLO and MLC during LV systolic dysfunction were still influenced by LV systolic function. It is concluded that LV systolic function determines the extent (both opening and closure) of mitral leaflet excursion.

Download Full-text

P691Left ventricular systolic function in long term survivors of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz747.0296 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

R Massey ◽

P P Diep ◽

E Ruud ◽

S Aakhus ◽

J O Beitnes

Keyword(s):

Systolic Function ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Ventricular Systolic Function ◽

Chi Square ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Lv Systolic Function ◽

2D And 3D ◽

Long Term Survivors

Abstract Introduction Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is increasingly utilized in young patients. Allo-HSCT usually requires myeloablative therapy that is potentially cardiotoxic. In addition, allo-HSCT survivors have a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Purpose We aim to describe left ventricular systolic function in long term survivors after allo-HSCT. Methods This study included 104 patients, aged (mean±SD) 18±10 years at allo-HSCT, and follow-up time was 17±6 years. 74% were sufferers of malignant disease. Pre-transplantation therapies consisted of anthracyclines (AnT) in 44% and mediastinal radiotherapy in 2%. Conditioning regimes consisted of cyclophosphamide with bulsulfsan in 77%. 22% received anti-lymphocyte globulin and 6% received total body irradiation. Left ventricular (LV) function was evaluated by 2D and 3D echocardiography. Healthy controls matched for age, sex and BMI were used in group comparisons. Group comparisons were performed by t-tests and chi-square. A linear regression was used to identify contributing factors to reduced systolic LV function in allo-HSCT survivors. Results Most parameters of LV systolic function including 2D and 3D LV ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), mitral annulus excursion (MAPSE) and s' were all significantly impaired after allo-HSCT as compared to the control group. Significant (p<0.05) contributors to LVEF in the multivariate regression analysis were age, AnT dosage, graft versus host disease (GVHD, occurring in 67%) and hypertension (HT, occurring in 31%). Allo-HSCT Control p value n 104 55 – Gender (female) 56 (54) 29 (53) 0.89 Age (yr) 35±12 36±11 0.44 BMI (kg/m2) 25±5 24±3 0.57 Fractional Shortening (%) 31±6 32±4 0.26 2D LVEF (%) 55±6 59±3 <0.005 3D LVEF (%) 54±5 58±3 <0.005 MAPSE (mm) 13±2 15±2 <0.005 Mean s' (mm) 81±17 89±17 <0.005 2D GLS (%) −17±2 −20±2 <0.005 Values: mean ± SD or n (%), t-test or chi-square. Conclusion LV systolic function is reduced in long term survivors of allo-HSCT. Pre-transplantation AnT, HT and GVHD are significantly associated with increased risk of cardiotoxicity. Acknowledgement/Funding Norwegian Cancer Foundation and Norwegian ExtraFoundation for Health and Rehabilitation

Download Full-text

Catecholamines Induce Left Ventricular Subclinical Systolic Dysfunction: A Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography Study

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers11030318 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 318 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jan Kvasnička ◽

Tomáš Zelinka ◽

Ondřej Petrák ◽

Ján Rosa ◽

Branislav Štrauch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Speckle Tracking ◽

Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Echocardiographic Parameters ◽

Lv Systolic Function ◽

Lower Magnitude

Background: Pheochromocytomas (PHEO) are tumors arising from chromaffin cells from the adrenal medulla, having the ability to produce, metabolize and secrete catecholamines. The overproduction of catecholamines leads by many mechanisms to the impairment in the left ventricle (LV) function, however, endocardial measurement of systolic function did not find any differences between patients with PHEO and essential hypertension (EH). The aim of the study was to investigate whether global longitudinal strain (GLS) derived from speckle-tracking echocardiography can detect catecholamine-induced subclinical impairments in systolic function. Methods: We analyzed 17 patients (10 females and seven males) with PHEO and 18 patients (nine females and nine males) with EH. The groups did not differ in age or in 24-h blood pressure values. Results: The patients with PHEO did not differ in echocardiographic parameters including LV ejection fraction compared to the EH patients (0.69 ± 0.04 vs. 0.71 ± 0.05; NS), nevertheless, in spackle-tracking analysis, the patients with PHEO displayed significantly lower GLS than the EH patients (−14.8 ± 1.5 vs. −17.8 ± 1.7; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with PHEO have a lower magnitude of GLS than the patients with EH, suggesting that catecholamines induce a subclinical decline in LV systolic function.

Download Full-text

Abstract 15362: Epicardial Adipose Tissue Effects on Systolic Function: A Direct or Systemic Metabolic Effect?

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.142.suppl_3.15362 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Shiva Reddy ◽

Aditi Shankar ◽

Katrin A Dias ◽

James P Macnamara ◽

Christopher M Hearon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adipose Tissue ◽

Epicardial Adipose Tissue ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Ectopic Fat ◽

Paracrine Effects ◽

Regional Strain ◽

Data Points ◽

Lv Systolic Function

Introduction: Obesity is associated with increased epicardial adipose tissue (EAT). It is unknown if this ectopic fat deposit has direct cardiotoxic paracrine effects on regional systolic function. We have previously shown that EAT mediates diastolic dysfunction via systemic effects, rather than localized effects. We similarly hypothesized regional EAT deposits would have no effect on the left ventricular (LV) strain of adjoining myocardial segments. Methods: We studied 28 obese healthy adults (mean age 48 ± 5 yrs, BMI 38.2 ± 5.0 kg/m 2 ). EAT was quantified on each individual MRI slice from base to apex and summed to obtain total volume. It was then separated into anterior, lateral, and inferior regions corresponding to the adjacent LV segments. Using MRI feature tracking, global longitudinal LV strain (GLS) and peak regional anterior, inferior, and lateral LV strain were quantified. Associations between total EAT and GLS, and between regional EAT and corresponding regional strain were determined by linear regression. Results: Mean total EAT volume was 69.6 ± 29.8 mL and mean GLS was -19.4 ± 2.0%. Individual data points for EAT and longitudinal strain are shown in the figure. Greater total EAT volume was modestly associated with decreased GLS (r2 = 0.127). However, anterior, lateral, and inferior EAT volume did not correlate with a decrease in corresponding regional strain (r2 = 0.003, r2 = 0.088, r2 = 0.016, respectively). Conclusion: In obese adults, total EAT volume was associated with a decrease in global LV systolic function measured by GLS. There was no association between regional EAT depots and corresponding regional LV function to suggest localized metabolic cardiotoxic effect. These preliminary results support our previous findings that EAT has little paracrine effect on cardiac function. Rather, EAT likely represents an additional depot of ectopic fat reflective of a general metabolic abnormality.

Download Full-text

Valve Replacement for Aortic Stenosis in Patients With Poor Left Ventricular Function

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.100.suppl_2.ii-1 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 100 (suppl_2) ◽

Author(s):

Julian Collinson ◽

Michael Henein ◽

Marcus Flather ◽

John R. Pepper ◽

Derek G. Gibson

Keyword(s):

Aortic Stenosis ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Lv Function ◽

Valve Prosthesis ◽

Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography ◽

Early Improvement ◽

Lv Dysfunction ◽

Lv Systolic Function ◽

Fractional Shortening

Background —Long-standing aortic stenosis causes significant left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, which may progress irreversibly. In many cases, LV function can be salvaged by aortic valve surgery, although debate exists regarding the best valve prosthesis to use. Methods and Results —We studied 33 patients retrospectively who had significant aortic stenosis and impaired LV systolic function, as assessed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography. Patients were assessed preoperatively and before discharge from the hospital. A total of 20 patients received a stentless (homograft or Toronto) valve, and 13, a stented valve. No patient had significant aortic regurgitation or other valvular disease. Preoperatively, fractional shortening was 18.8±5.5% in the stentless group and 18.6±3.8% in the stented group. Postoperatively, it was 25.6±6.9% ( P <0.001 compared with baseline) and 17.0±2.8%, respectively ( P <0.001 compared with stentless group). Fractional shortening improved because of a reduction in LV end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions in the stentless group. Systolic long axis function at the LV free wall also recovered, with an increase in systolic excursion and both peak shortening and lengthening rates. No change was noted in mitral valve Doppler patterns. Conclusions —Patients who received a stentless valve demonstrated a significantly greater early improvement in LV systolic function compared with those who received a stented valve.

Download Full-text