Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 18, 2025

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat
04:30

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat

Published on: February 4, 2021

3.5K

Impact of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Calcification on Outcomes Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Anees Musallam1, Kyle D Buchanan2, Charan Yerasi1

  • 1Section of Interventional Cardiology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA.

Cardiovascular Revascularization Medicine : Including Molecular Interventions
|October 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) calcification increases paravalvular leak (PVL) risk after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), even with advanced techniques. However, TAVR remains safe in these patients, with similar mortality and pacemaker rates.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery

Background:

  • Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) calcification is a known factor influencing outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
  • Previous studies suggested increased mortality with severe LVOT calcification but used older valve generations and lacked robust calcification assessment methods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of LVOT calcification on outcomes following TAVR using contemporary transcatheter heart valves.
  • To assess the relationship between quantified LVOT calcification and procedural/clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 273 patients undergoing TAVR between 2013-2017.
  • LVOT calcification quantified as a continuous variable.
  • Comparison of outcomes between patients with and without LVOT calcification, including valve types and use of balloon post-dilatation (BPD).

Main Results:

  • Patients with calcified LVOT (LVOTCA) showed higher rates of paravalvular leak (PVL) at discharge (47.5% vs. 29.1%) despite increased use of BPD (31.3% vs. 19%).
  • Contemporary valves like Evolut R were used more in LVOTCA, while Sapien 3 was more common in non-calcified LVOT (NOLVOTCA).
  • All-cause mortality and pacemaker implantation rates were similar between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a safe procedure in patients with LVOT calcification.
  • LVOT calcification is associated with an increased risk of paravalvular leak (PVL) post-TAVR.
  • Quantification of calcium did not predict the degree of PVL, suggesting other factors may be involved.
Abstract

Keywords:
Left ventricular outflow tract calcificationOutcomesParavalvular leakTranscatheter aortic valve replacement

More Related Videos

Isolation of Mouse Interstitial Valve Cells to Study the Calcification of the Aortic Valve In Vitro05:47

Isolation of Mouse Interstitial Valve Cells to Study the Calcification of the Aortic Valve In Vitro

Published on: May 10, 2021

4.3K
Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography-Guided Valve Sizing for Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement09:57

Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography-Guided Valve Sizing for Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement

Published on: January 20, 2022

2.8K

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
161
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
73
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
84
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
76
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization01:24

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...
277