A randomized evaluation of the TriGuard™ HDH cerebral embolic protection device to Reduce the Impact of Cerebral Embolic LEsions after TransCatheter Aortic Valve Implan Tation: the REFLECT I trial

Aims The REFLECT I trial investigated the safety and effectiveness of the TriGuard (TM) HDH (TG) cerebral embolic deflection device in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement Methods and results This prospective, multicentre, single-blind, 2:1 randomized (TG vs. no TG) study aimed to enrol up to 375 patients, including up to 90 roll-in patients. The primary combined safety endpoint (VARC-2 defined early safety) at 30 days was compared with a performance goat. The primary efficacy endpoint was a hierarchical composite of (i) all-cause mortality or any stroke at 30days, (ii) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) worsening at 2-5 days or Montreal Cognitive Assessment worsening at 30days, and (iii) total volume of cerebral ischaemic lesions detected by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging at 2-5 days. Cumulative scores were compared between treatment groups using the Finkelstein-Schoenfeld method. A total of 258 of the planned, 375 patients (68.8%) were enrolled (54 roll-in and 204 randomized). The primary safety outcome was met compared with the performance goal (21.8% vs. 35%, P < 0.0001). The primary hierarchical efficacy endpoint was not met (mean efficacy score, higher is better: -5.3 +/- 99.8 TG vs. 11.8 +/- 96.4 control, P = 0.31). Covert central nervous system injury was numerically lower with TG both in-hospital (46.1% vs. 60.3%, P = 0.0698) and at 5 days (61.7 vs. 76.2%, P = 0.054) compared with controls. Conclusion REFLECT I demonstrated that TG cerebral protection during TAVR was safe in comparison with historical TAVR data but did not meet the predefined effectiveness endpoint compared with unprotected TAVR controls. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

The REFLECT I trial investigated the safety and effectiveness of the TriGuard(TM) HDH(TG) cerebral embolic deflection device in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The study enrolled 258 patients, with the primary safety outcome being met but the primary efficacy endpoint not being met. TG was found to be safe compared to historical TAVR data, but did not meet the predefined effectiveness endpoint compared with unprotected TAVR controls.