Quantifying neurological function in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Robotics
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a common procedure for high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis.
• Neurological complications can occur post-TAVI, yet objective assessment tools are lacking.
• Older adults are the primary demographic undergoing TAVI and are susceptible to neurological deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utility of robotic technology for quantifying neurological function in TAVI patients.
• To identify distinct patterns in visuospatial, sensorimotor, and cognitive functioning before and after TAVI.
• To establish objective neurological benchmarks for TAVI patient monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study involving patients undergoing TAVI.
• Utilized the Kinarm robotic system for standardized reaching tasks.
• Assessed participants pre-TAVI and three months post-procedure.

Main Results:

• Ten patients completed the study.
• Significant improvement observed in a simple reaching task post-TAVI.
• No significant change in complex reaching tasks; persistent impairments in trail making tasks were noted pre- and post-TAVI.

Conclusions:

• Robotic technology offers valuable, objective assessment of neurological function in TAVI patients.
• Quantified assessments can detect perioperative neurological impairments.
• Neurological functioning shows variability post-TAVI, necessitating further investigation.