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Published on: August 8, 2025
Novel EBU Catheter-Assisted Parallel Wire Technique for Difficult Aortic Valve Crossing (EUPASS)
Hui-Chin Lai1, Yu-Chuan Chuang2, Chia-Ning Liu3
1Departments of Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; National Chung-Hsing University School of Medicine, Taichung, Taiwan; National Yang-Ming-Chiao-Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Cardiovascular Research Center, National Chung-Hsing University School of Medicine, Taichung, Taiwan.
A new technique called EBU catheter-assisted parallel wire technique for retrograde aortic valve crossing (EUPASS) simplifies challenging transcatheter aortic valve interventions. This method ensures successful guidewire advancement across stenotic aortic valves, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Severe aortic stenosis poses challenges for transcatheter aortic valve interventions.
- Retrograde crossing of stenotic aortic valves is a significant technical hurdle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate the EBU catheter-assisted parallel wire technique for retrograde aortic valve crossing (EUPASS).
- To assess the efficacy and safety of EUPASS in patients with complex aortic valve anatomy.
Main Methods:
- EUPASS utilizes a single guiding catheter with parallel straight and looped guidewires.
- The technique facilitates 3D coaxial alignment and controlled guidewire advancement.
- Applied as a primary or bailout strategy in 23 patients with severe aortic stenosis.
Main Results:
- Successful valve crossing and left ventricular apical wire positioning achieved in all cases.
- The procedure was completed rapidly, typically within 2 minutes, without complications.
- EUPASS provided a stable platform for subsequent balloon valvuloplasty or TAVR.
Conclusions:
- EUPASS is a simple, reproducible technique for challenging retrograde aortic valve crossing.
- This method addresses a key technical limitation in transcatheter aortic valve interventions.
- EUPASS enhances procedural success rates in patients with complex aortic anatomy.
