The edge-to-edge approach with MitraClip has been established as a valid strategy for patients who experience severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MI) with high risk for surgery, currently with a IIa indication. MI complicated by cardiogenic shock, which results in a high risk for conventional valve surgery, is a particularly complex scenario. In such a case,…
Short-Term Outcomes of TAVR in Asymptomatic or Minimally Symptomatic Patients
Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is indicated for symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS), while close follow-up is recommended for asymptomatic patients, unless they have elevated aortic gradients, low ejection fraction, or abnormal stress tests. However, the optimal timing to perform AVR is uncertain, especially with recent evidence suggesting that patients with AS associated with signs of myocardial…
TAVR in Low Risk Patients: 10 Year Evolution
The Treatment of severe aortic stenosis has experienced a significant revolution with TAVR, especially in high and intermediate risk patients, and it is now extending to low risk patients. In the US, nearly half of patients under 64 are being treated with TAVR. One of the fundamental questions that still remains unanswered revolves around device…
Should We Treat Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease in TAVI?
Coronary artery disease, both obstructive and non-obstructive, often coexists with significant aortic stenosis. Therapeutic decision-making in this scenario remains controversial, not only regarding the need for treatment, but also about when it should be addressed, considering its pros and cons. Various analyses have yielded contradictory data, as most lesions are chronic and stable. Currently, the…
Benefit of Cusp overlap method for self‐expanding transcatheter aortic valves
The need for permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM) continues to be one of the main challenges in TAVR, especially with self-expanding valves, with a pacemaker implantation rate that varies between 17.5% and 30% in large randomized studies, vs. 4% to 6.5% with self-expanding valves. Therefore, in an attempt to prevent the need for PPM implantation, the…
Does Post-Dilation in TAVR Affect its Long-Term Outcomes?
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has widely demonstrated its significant benefits, both in high-risk and inoperable patients, as well as in those with intermediate and low risk. While paravalvular regurgitation has been a challenge, its management has improved with operator experience and a deeper understanding of CT angiographies. However, in cases of regurgitation, elevated gradient,…
Promising Results of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement in Bioprosthesis Failure
Failure of a mitral bioprosthesis always poses a challenge regarding decision-making, especially when dealing with elderly patients with multiple risk factors. The scenario is worsened by the high risk associated with a new sternotomy and the significant impact of undergoing new surgery. Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve (TMViV) replacement is emerging as a valid strategy in the…
Coronary Artery Disease in TAVR: Unsolved Dilemma
Aortic stenosis shares risk factors with coronary artery disease (CAD), and its prevalence varies according to age, reaching approximately 50% or more in some registries. Deciding when to treat and the need for percutaneous intervention presents a challenge. It has been established that epicardial stenosis at proximal level, or the medial segment, requires intervention, especially…
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement: DOAC or VKA?
Severe mitral disease is common and currently constitutes a frequent cause of hospitalization and death. While surgery is the treatment of choice, transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) emerges as a valid alternative in cases of bioprosthesis failure, ring malfunction, or severe mitral annular calcification (MAC). Furthermore, the latest medical guidelines support the recommendation of TMVR…
Use of Apixaban and Post TAVR Valve Thrombosis
TAVR can be associated to early valve thrombosis, characterized by thrombi formation near or attached to the prosthetic valve, with or without valve dysfunction. This dysfunction is associated with increased leaf thickening and reduced leaflet motion, as well as reduced orifice area or increased transvalvular gradient. Triggered multislice CT allows dynamic valve assessment and thrombosis…
Use of Intravascular Lithotripsy vs. Rotational Atherectomy for Severely Calcified Coronary Lesions
Severely calcified coronary stenosis poses a significant challenge for coronary angioplasty procedures. Modifying plaque before stenting is crucial to a successful intervention, since it will prevent the sub expansion associated to worse clinical outcomes at followup. The tools employed to assess complex lesions include specialized balloons such as cutting, scoring, or high pressure balloons, as…