Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: the procedure

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interventional Cardiology

Background:

• Severe aortic stenosis poses significant risks for high-risk patients.
• Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a crucial treatment option.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review diverse access site options for TAVI.
• To provide a procedural guide and discuss technological advancements in TAVI.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical and current TAVI access techniques.
• Description of procedural steps for each access route.
• Analysis of transcatheter heart valve system evolution.

Main Results:

• Initial antegrade femoral vein access evolved to retrograde transfemoral arterial access.
• Transapical, transsubclavian, and direct transaortic access offer versatile alternatives.
• Technological evolution has refined TAVI systems and procedures.

Conclusions:

• TAVI demonstrates significant versatility in access site selection.
• Understanding different approaches is key for successful TAVI in high-risk patients.
• Ongoing technological advancements continue to improve TAVI outcomes.