Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement
Published on: December 11, 2017
Snare Technique for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in a Difficult Anatomy With Calcified Aortic Valve
Athanasios Kolyviras1, Dimitrios Oikonomou, Georgios Georgiopoulos
1Department of Interventional Cardiology, Henry Dunant Hospital Center, P.O. Box 11526, 107 Leoforos Mesogion Str, Athens, Greece. kolyvirasthanos@hotmail.com.
Insights
Severe aortic annulus calcification prevented prosthetic valve placement. A novel snare catheter technique successfully centralized the valve system for successful implantation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Severe aortic annulus calcification poses a significant challenge for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
- Traditional methods may be hindered by complex anatomical variations, increasing procedural risk.
Observation:
- Direct crossing of the aortic annulus with a prosthetic valve was deemed impossible due to extensive calcification.
- A novel approach was required to navigate the calcified aortic annulus.
Findings:
- A snare catheter technique was employed to precisely centralize the prosthetic valve system within the aortic annulus.
- This technique facilitated accurate alignment and deployment of the valve prosthesis despite severe calcification.
Implications:
- The snare catheter technique offers a potential solution for complex TAVR cases with severe aortic annulus calcification.
- This method may improve procedural success rates and reduce complications in challenging TAVR anatomies.
- Further research can explore the broader applicability of this technique in structural heart interventions.
Abstract:
Crossing the aortic annulus with a prosthetic valve was impossible due to severe calcification. A snare catheter technique was used to centralize the entire system with the aortic orifice.
More Related Videos
06:59Improved Registration of 3D CT Angiography with X-ray Fluoroscopy for Image Fusion During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Published on: June 3, 2018
12:17Full-root Aortic Valve Replacement by Stentless Aortic Xenografts in Patients with Small Aortic Roots
Published on: May 21, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Heart Valves
The AV valves prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles to the atria during ventricular contraction. These valves function with the assistance of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles. When the ventricles are relaxed, the chordae tendineae are slack, allowing blood to flow from the atria into the...
Anatomy of the Heart
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management