Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valves Can Be Successfully and Safely Implanted Transfemorally Without...

To assess the necessity for balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) during transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) when using balloon-expandable valves.

BAV is a usual part of TAVI procedures, prior to valve implantation. However, the benefits and necessity of this are unknown and recent evidence in self-expanding valves suggests it may not be necessary.

Retrospective single-center study of 154 patients undergoing first-time, transfemoral TAVI for native aortic valve stenosis, with (N = 76), and without (N = 78), BAV as part of the procedure. Data collected included demographic, procedural, and outcome data.

BAV did not alter VARC-2 defined procedural success or early safety compared to not performing a BAV, including mortality, degree of aortic regurgitation, or need for post-TAVI balloon dilatation, although there was a strong trend to reduced stroke when not performing a BAV. There was a significantly reduced procedural time (P = 0.01) and fluoroscopic time (P < 0.001) without performing a BAV. There were no differences in cerebral embolization (solid, gaseous, or total emboli) noted between the 2 groups, as measured on transcranial doppler (TCD).

TAVI can be effectively and safely performed without a BAV and this results in reduced procedural and fluoroscopic times, although embolization to the brain is not reduced. There is a trend toward reduced stroke risk. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:319-324).