Imaging to guide transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Interventional Cardiology

Background:

• Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure for aortic stenosis.
• Optimal patient selection and procedural execution are crucial for TAVI success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of multi-modality imaging in TAVI.
• To highlight the specific contributions of 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE).

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies evaluating imaging modalities in TAVI.
• Focus on 3D-TEE for pre-procedural assessment, intra-procedural guidance, and post-procedural evaluation.

Main Results:

• Multi-modality imaging enhances patient selection by assessing aortic valve anatomy and cardiac structures.
• 3D-TEE provides detailed anatomical information crucial for device sizing and deployment.
• Imaging guides valve deployment, facilitates complication detection, and aids in long-term follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Multi-modality imaging, particularly 3D-TEE, is integral to successful TAVI.
• It improves patient selection, procedural accuracy, and post-procedural management.
• Advanced imaging techniques optimize TAVI outcomes.