Analysis of Neurologic Complications After Surgical Versus Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Ove the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as the recommended approach over surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for many patients with aortic stenosis. While initial trials demonstrated a higher incidence of stroke with TAVR compared to SAVR, the incidence of stroke appears to have improved over time. With the increasing number of patients expected to undergo TAVR in the coming decades, it is important to review the incidence and etiology of stroke after SAVR and TAVR. Alterations in surgical technique for SAVR, and embolic protections devices for TAVR, have failed to demonstrate a clinically significant reduction in the incidence of post-procedural stroke. However, the definitions and assessment methods used for assessing stroke and neurological events varies among studies.