Does Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Aortic Stenosis Impact on Cognitive Function?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common valvular heart disease in the elderly.
• Severe AS necessitates intervention, with surgical valve replacement and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) as primary options.
• TAVI offers a less invasive alternative, especially for high-risk surgical patients, demonstrating favorable survival outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the incidence of cognitive impairment following TAVI.
• To identify potential factors contributing to post-TAVI cognitive impairment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies evaluating cognitive function after TAVI.
• Analysis of reported incidence rates of cognitive impairment.
• Identification and synthesis of potential risk factors and mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Cognitive impairment is a recognized complication post-TAVI.
• Incidence rates vary across studies, influenced by assessment methods and patient populations.
• Potential contributing factors include procedural events, patient comorbidities, and underlying cerebrovascular disease.

Conclusions:

• Post-TAVI cognitive impairment is an emerging clinical issue.
• Further research is needed to elucidate causative factors and develop preventative strategies.
• Optimizing TAVI procedures and patient selection may mitigate cognitive risks.