Nora Berisha

Mrs. Nora Berisha


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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NBNora Berisha
Nora Berisha
KKKathrin Klein
Kathrin Klein
VVVerena Veulemans
Verena Veulemans
OMOliver Maier
Oliver Maier
KPKerstin Piayda
Kerstin Piayda
TZTobias Zeus
Tobias Zeus
Due to shortages of medical resources during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an allocation algorithm for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) was established. We investigated the impact on patient selection and procedural results. In total, 456 TAVR patients before (pre-COVID-19 group) and 456 TAVR patients after (COVID-19 group) the implementation of our allocation algorithm were compared. Concerning patient characteristics, the COVID-19 group revealed a higher rate of cardiac decompensations/cardiogenic shocks (10.5% vs. 1.3%; p < 0.001), severe angina pectoris (Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) II, III and IV: 18.7% vs. 11.8%; p = 0.004), troponin elevation (>14 ng/L: 84.9% vs. 77%; p = 0.003) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (<45%: 18.9% vs. 12%; p = 0.006). Referring to procedural characteristics, more predilatations (46.3% vs. 35.1%; p = 0.001) and a longer procedural time (80.2 min (+/−29.4) vs. 66.9 min (+/−17.5); p < 0.001) were observed. The success rate was evenly high; no differences in safety parameters were reported. Examining the utilization of hospital resources, the COVID-19 group showed a shorter in-hospital stay (8.4 days (+/−5.9) vs. 9.5 days (+/−9.33); p = 0.041) and fewer TAVR patients were treated per month (39 (+/−4.55) vs. 46.11 (+/−7.57); p = 0.03). Our allocation algorithm supported prioritization of sicker patients with similar efficient and safe TAVR procedures. In-hospital stay could be shortened.