Transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background : Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a rapidly evolving strategy for therapy of aortic stenosis. We describe the effect of the learning curve from the first 270 high‐risk patients in Vancouver, Canada. Methods : Patients underwent TAVI by transfemoral (63%) or transapical (37%) routes using balloon expandable valves. The experience was divided into the first half (FH, patients 1–135) and second half (SH, patients 136–270). Results : The mean age was 83.2 ± 8 years (FH 83 ± 12 vs. SH 81 ± 7 years, P = 0.12). The mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons Score (STS) was 9.5% ± 5.2%‐ FH 10.5 vs. SH 8.5% ( P = 0.01). The overall procedural success rate in the FH was 92.6%, improving to 97.8% in the SH ( P = 0.05). The transfemoral procedural success improved—FH 89.3% to SH 98.8% ( P = 0.01). The transapical procedural success remained high—FH 98.0% to SH 96.1% ( P = 0.53). The overall 30‐day mortality was 9.6%, improving from FH 13.3% to SH 5.9% ( P = 0.04). In the transfemoral cases, 30‐day mortality decreased by 56% [10.7–4.7%, P = 0.14], and similarly in transapical cases [17.6–7.8%, P = 0.14]. In‐hospital stroke occurred in 3.3% (FH 3.7% vs. SH 2.9%, P = 0.74). The overall need for a new permanent pacemaker was 5.9% (FH 5.9% vs. SH 5.9%, P = 1). The overall major vascular injury rate was 6.7% (FH 8.1% vs. SH 5.2%, P = 0.33). The overall incidence of coronary vessel occlusion was 1.1% (FH 1.5 % vs. SH 0.7%, P = 0.56). Device embolization or failure to cross the valve was rare and largely seen in the FH only. Procedural experience (>135 procedures) was an independent predictor of 30‐day survival (HR: 6.7, 95% CI: 1.2–18.1, P = 0.03). Conclusion : TAVI outcomes improve with experience and device development. While overall complication rates are low, scope remains to further reduce procedural adverse events.© 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.