• VALVULAR DISEASE
• IMAGING AND DIAGNOSTICS

Severe aortic stenosis (AS) is associated with debilitating symptoms and reduced survival if left untreated. According to European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines, valve replacement is indicated for all patients with symptoms and severe AS, or severe AS with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction.1 In patients with severe AS, aortic valve replacement (AVR) is associated with improved survival, regression of LV hypertrophy, and recovery of LV systolic function. Traditionally, surgical aortic valve replacement has been carried out with cardiopulmonary bypass, using either a mechanical or biological valve prosthesis. Valve sizing is performed intraoperatively using manufacturer specific sizing devices after excision of the native valve.

In patients who are at high or prohibitive risk for surgical replacement of the valve, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as an alternative treatment. Clinical trials have shown TAVI to have outcomes similar to surgical AVR up to 2 years after the procedure.2–4 The procedure is performed off cardiopulmonary bypass via a percutaneous transarterial (usually transfemoral) approach or via a transapical approach by limited left thoracotomy. During the procedure a stent-mounted pericardial prosthesis is implanted within the native valve, displacing the native valve leaflets into the sinuses of Valsalva. Currently, both self-expanding and balloon expandable valve prostheses are commercially available.5 ,6 Excellent outcomes have been confirmed by registry data, with overall survival of 76% at 1 year (rising to 81% in the lower risk transfemoral population).7

Clinical outcomes following TAVI are directly related to appropriate patient selection and valve choice. Pre-procedure imaging is vital to assess the severity of AS, identify eligible candidates, plan the interventional approach, and select the appropriate prosthesis according to the anatomical features. Imaging is pivotal during and after the procedure, guiding prosthesis deployment, providing information regarding valve position, identifying immediate complications, and assessing outcomes.

Before TAVI, …