Percutaneous aortic valve replacement using a subclavian artery graft

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interventional Cardiology
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Transcatheter heart valve implantation (THI) is an established alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement, avoiding sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass.
• Common THI access routes include transfemoral and transapical.
• The transapical approach is often preferred in patients with severe peripheral vascular disease.

Observation:

• Anterolateral thoracotomy may be contraindicated in patients with specific comorbidities.
• The subclavian artery presents a potential third access route for THI.
• This case report details a THI procedure utilizing the subclavian artery via a Dacron graft.

Findings:

• Successful transcatheter heart valve implantation was achieved through the subclavian artery.
• The use of a Dacron graft facilitated the subclavian artery approach.
• This approach provides a viable alternative in select patient populations.

Implications:

• The subclavian artery approach expands the options for THI in complex cases.
• This technique may benefit patients unsuitable for transfemoral or transapical access.
• Further research can explore the safety and efficacy of this novel THI route.