How valvular calcification can affect the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

How valvular calcification can affect the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Expert Rev Med Devices. 2020 Jun 29;: Authors: Milhorini Pio S, Bax J, Delgado V Abstract INTRODUCTION: In transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), assessment of aortic valve calcification is not as standardized as aortic annulus measurement. Aortic valve calcification is important for stable anchoring of the prosthesis to the aortic annulus. However, excessive aortic valve calcification is related to procedural complications. AREAS COVERED: This review covers the methods to assess aortic valve calcification and the implications of aortic valve calcium burden for TAVI outcomes. We performed a systematic review of the literature in Pubmed and secondary sources. Furthermore, future perspectives on how to integrate aortic valve calcification assessment in the management of patients with aortic stenosis is discussed. EXPERT OPINION: Thorough assessment of the aortic valve and aortic root components including aortic valve calcification is key in the planning of TAVI. Aortic valve calcification load, location and extension are important contributors to paravalvular regurgitation. Asymmetric calcification burden with greater calcification of the left-coronary cusp related to higher need of permanent pacemaker implantation. Patients with moderate and severe left ventricular outflow tract/subannular calcification are more susc...
Source: Expert Review of Medical Devices - Category: Medical Devices Tags: Expert Rev Med Devices Source Type: research