Cusp-overlap view versus three cusp coplanar view during transcatheter aortic valve replacement using self-expandable...

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is currently the treatment of choice for most patients with severe aortic stenosis. We conducted this meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of the cusp overlap technique (COT) versus the standard three-cusp technique during self-expandable valves implantation. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science (WOS) from inception to March 5, 2024. To estimate the effect size, dichotomous outcomes were pooled as RR, and continuous outcome was pooled as MD with their respective 95% CI. We included seventeen studies with a total of 3,129 patients in cusp-overlap technique (COT) arm and 2,818 patients in standard technique (ST) arm. The rate of 30-day mortality was borderline reduced in COT compared with ST, however, with no significant difference (RR = 0.61; 95% CI: [0.37-1.00], P = 0.05). Regarding conduction abnormalities, COT was related to lower risk of complete atrioventricular (AV) block (RR = 0.51; 95% CI: [0.37-0.69], P < 0.01), and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM) (RR = 0.56; 95% CI: [0.46-0.70], P < 0.01). Mild to severe paravalvular leak (PVL) (RR = 1.00; 95% CI: [0.66-1.51], P = 1.00, I2 = 62%; P = 0.02) were comparable between COT and ST. Our study findings suggest that COT offers several advantages over ST, including reduced 30-day mortality, bleeding complications, and shorter procedural duration. The COT most importantly lowers the risk of conduction abnormalities, and hence the incidence PPM.