Valve-in-valve (VIV) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for failing aortic valve prostheses: an Australian interventional experience
James Carroll
Background
Transcatheter aortic valves have become an excellent alternative to failing bioprosthetic surgical valves, avoiding the increased risk of re-entry sternotomy.
Aim
This study aims to retrospectively analyse outcomes of VIV TAVI replacements in a single Australian centre.
Methods
All patients who underwent VIV TAVI replacement between February 2015 and January 2019 were included, Valve characteristics, patient demographics, clinical data and outcomes were all analysed.
Results
A total of 20 patients were included in the VIV cohort. Average pre-operative mean gradient was 27.8mmHg ± 18.3mmHg. Average post-operative mean gradient was 12.3mmHg ± 5.1mmHg. There have been no deaths in this cohort. There were three documented complications of the patients studied.
Conclusions
VIV TAVI can be successfully performed, with an acceptable morbidity profile and excellent outcomes, in a TAVI centre for patients who otherwise may have to undergo a high risk re-do sternotomy.