Initial Outcomes After Trans-Right Subclavian Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Analysis of Device Coaxiality

Trans-subclavian access transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), typically from the left side, is feasible. However, right subclavian artery access is technically challenging because of the anatomical orientation, resulting in malalignment of the transcatheter heart valve within the aortic annular plane.

We aimed to evaluate procedural outcomes, device-annulus alignment, and clinical efficacy of right trans-subclavian (RtTS) TAVI. Of a consecutive 423 patients who underwent TAVI, 32 cases performed via right and left subclavian access were analyzed. Implanted device depth and angle were analyzed angiographically. The device-annulus angle was measured angiographically. Fifteen of 22 patients were treated with a balloon-expandable valve, and 7 patients received a self-expanding valve, via RtTS. Procedural success was achieved in all cases. Compared with femoral and left subclavian approaches, RtTS led to a significantly larger device-annulus angle (6.0° vs. 8.7°; P<0.05), with deep left coronary cusp implantation (2.4 vs. 4.4 mm; P=0.05). Post-procedural transcatheter heart valve function was comparable across the groups, and no patients had greater than moderate paravalvular leakage. However, the incidence of symptomatic stroke occurred in 2 patients in the RtTS group (9.1%; P=0.21).

RtTS TAVI is a feasible alternative access route, with comparable procedural and clinical outcomes to those of conventional approaches, albeit with a higher risk of stroke.