Preoperative TAVR Planning: How to Do It

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interventional Cardiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) requires effective treatment.
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) offers improving efficacy and safety.
• Preprocedural planning is essential for successful TAVR outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of preoperative planning for TAVR.
• To outline the standard steps for effective TAVR preparation.
• To discuss the role of various imaging modalities in TAVR planning.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and guidelines on TAVR planning.
• Focus on multi-detector computed angiotomography (MDCT) as the gold standard.
• Discussion of alternative imaging techniques like 3D echocardiography and MRI.

Main Results:

• Accurate aortic valve annulus measurements are critical.
• Appropriate transcatheter heart valve selection is mandatory.
• Anticipation of potential procedural complications enhances safety.

Conclusions:

• Thorough preoperative planning significantly impacts TAVR success.
• MDCT remains the primary imaging modality for TAVR planning.
• 3D echocardiography and MRI serve as valuable alternatives in specific patient populations.