Comprehensive multidisciplinary patient assessment and selection before TAVI procedure.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery

Background:

• Aortic stenosis affects nearly 5% of individuals over 75.
• Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis necessitates aortic valve replacement.
• Comorbidities often prevent surgical valve replacement in eligible patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multidisciplinary approach for selecting patients for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).
• To highlight the importance of accurate aortic root measurements for TAVI success.
• To discuss the roles of echocardiography and multislice computed tomography in TAVI patient selection.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of current literature and guidelines on TAVI patient selection.
• Emphasis on multidisciplinary team assessment including cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and imaging specialists.
• Detailed examination of imaging modalities like echocardiography and multislice computed tomography for aortic root and valve assessment.

Main Results:

• TAVI is a viable alternative for high-risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis.
• Accurate patient screening and detailed aortic root anatomy assessment are critical for procedural success.
• Echocardiography and multislice computed tomography are essential tools for pre-procedural evaluation.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary approach is vital for optimal patient selection in TAVI programs.
• Advanced imaging techniques significantly improve the safety and efficacy of TAVI.
• TAVI represents a significant advancement in managing severe aortic stenosis in high-risk populations.