[Usefulness of multidetector computed tomography in transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Advantage of a...

Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular disorder in the United States and Europe. Nowadays, surgical aortic valve replacement remains the standard treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis; however, transcatheter aortic valve implantation represents a less invasive treatment option for aortic stenosis patients considered as high-risk or not suitable for surgical management. Because of the lack of direct visualization of the operative field in transcatheter aortic valve implantation, there is an increased need for precise pre-operative assessment of vascular anatomy. Therefore, in order to improve outcome and avoid complications, multidetector tomography is part of the routine evaluation of patients considered for this treatment. The data obtained covering the aorta and iliac arteries, allows the physician a precise planning prior to the intervention. In this review, we described basic aspects of the procedure, and the clinical relevance of the multidetector tomography.