Use of Pleth Variability Index as a Non-invasive, Dynamic Indicator of Left Atrial Pressure Change During MitraClip: Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair

Background: Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with MitraClip is a safe and effective alternative to surgical mitral valve repair/replacement in patients with high operative risk. Pleth Variability Index (PVI) is a non-invasive, dynamic index based on analysis of the respiratory variations in the plethysmographic waveform recorded transcutaneously by the pulse oximeter. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate if the hemodynamic effect of improved left-sided output after successful transcatheter mitral valve repair would lead to a significant change in PVI, and if it would correlate with the decrease in left atrial pressure (LAP). Design: Prospective, observational cohort study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03993938). Setting: Single academic hospital in Detroit, Michigan (USA), from October 2019 to February 2021. Participants: The authors included adult patients with severe mitral regurgitation who underwent successful MitraClip placement. Measurements and Main Results: Of 30 patients, all components of the LAP (a wave, v wave, and mean) decreased significantly after successful MitraClip placement (P < .01). The median (IQR) PVI increased from 21 (11-35) to 23 (13-38) after clip placement; however, this change was not statistically significant (P = .275). No significant correlation between change in PVI and change in LAP was observed (P = .235). Conclusions: In patients with severe mitral regurgitation, successful MitraClip resulted in a significant reduction in LAP without a significant change in PVI. A larger sample size may provide more insight on the utility of using PVI as an indicator of LAP change in patients with mitral regurgitation.