Open AccessTranscatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Potential Option for the Nonsurgical Patient
Author(s) -
Patel Jigar H.,
Mathew Sunil T.,
Hennebry Thomas A.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
clinical cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.263
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1932-8737
pISSN - 0160-9289
DOI - 10.1002/clc.20535
Subject(s) - medicine , valve replacement , aortic valve replacement , stenosis , percutaneous , surgery , aortic valvuloplasty , aortic valve stenosis , aortic valve , life expectancy , mortality rate , cardiology , population , environmental health
Abstract With improved life expectancy, the incidence of aortic stenosis is rising. However, up to one‐third of patients who require lifesaving surgical aortic valve replacement are denied surgery due to a high operative mortality rate. Such patients can only be treated with medical therapy or percutaneous aortic valvuloplasty, neither of which has been shown to improve mortality. With advances in interventional cardiology, transcatheter methods have been developed for aortic valve replacement. Clinical trials are investigating these devices in patients with severe aortic stenosis that have been denied surgery. Preliminary results from these trials suggest that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is not only feasible, but an effective way to improve symptoms. In this review, we describe the current technology and display available outcome data. Though technical challenges and operator learning curve limit optimal use of the current technology, continued experience and advancements in technology may one day make TAVR a viable alternative to traditional surgical aortic valve replacement. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.